Evaluation and upcoming revision of the EU public procurement rules

The Commission evaluated the EU Public Procurement Directives adopted in 2014. The rules aim to:

• ensure fair access to public procurement for businesses
• secure better value for taxpayers’ money
• strengthen transparency and prevent corruption
• support sustainable and innovative public spending
   

The results of the evaluation are available in the evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives.
 

Public procurement refers to the process by which public authorities, such as government departments or local authorities, purchase work, goods or services from companies.

To create a level playing field for businesses across Europe, EU law sets out minimum harmonised public procurement rules. These rules govern the way public authorities and certain public utility operators purchase goods, works and services. They are transposed into national legislation and apply to tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount. For tenders of lower value, national rules apply. Nevertheless, these national rules also have to respect the general principles of EU law.

To create a level playing field for businesses across Europe, EU law sets out minimum harmonised public procurement rules. These rules govern the way public authorities and certain public utility operators purchase goods, works and services. They are transposed into national legislation and apply to tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount. For tenders of lower value, national rules apply. Nevertheless, these national rules also have to respect the general principles of EU law.

A general introduction to public procurement is available on Your Europe. If you are looking for business opportunities in any EU country, please visit Tenders Electronic Daily. For information on grants and procurement carried out by EU institutions, please visit the Funding and Tenders Portal.

If you want to collaborate with peers in the EU, visit the Public Buyers Community Platform, a comprehensive and secure platform aimed at strengthening collaboration between public authorities, suppliers, and the European Commission in public procurement.

Refer to the official European Commission webpage for additional information on European public procurement policies and background.

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