Public Procurement: Commission requests 15 EU countries to transpose new EU rules on public procurement and concessions

Public Procurement: Commission requests 15 EU countries to transpose new EU rules on public procurement and concessions

The European Commission sent reasoned opinions to 15 EU countries, requesting them to fully transpose one or more of the 3 new directives on public procurement and concessions into national law (namely, Directives 2014/23/EC, 2014/24/EC and 2014/25/EC). The countries concerned are:  Austria (3 directives), Belgium (3), Bulgaria (1), Croatia (3), Cyprus (2), Estonia (3), Finland (3), Ireland (1), Latvia (3), Lithuania (3), Luxembourg (3), Portugal (3), Slovenia (1), Spain (3) and Sweden (3).

The new legislation seeks to make public procurement in Europe more efficient, with smarter rules and more electronic procedures. Authorities that have already made the transition to eProcurement report savings of between 5 and 20% on costs. With EU countries spending more than € 1,9 trillion for procurement yearly, each 5% saved could return almost € 100 billion to the public purse. The new rules make it easier and cheaper for small and medium enterprises to bid for public contracts and respect the EU’s principles of transparency and competition. Increased transparency improves accountability and helps combat corruption. The rules also allow the authorities to use public procurement to work towards broader policy objectives, such as environmental and social goals and innovation.

The Commission sent a final warning to the remaining 15 EU countries on 8 December 2016. These countries have 2 months to notify the Commission of measures taken to bring national legislation into line with EU law. Otherwise, the Commission may decide, in accordance with EU infringement rules, to refer them to the Court of Justice of the EU and to propose financial sanctions.

For more information, see an Overview of the new EU procurement and concession rules introduced on 18 April 2016