Consultation on electronic procurement

An on-line consultation aimed at identifying opportunities and challenges in electronic public procurement has been launched by the Commission.

The consultation is part of the process of drawing up an Action Plan to ensure Europe’s economy gets the maximum possible benefit from the implementation of the new provisions on electronic public procurement included in the legislative package of procurement Directives adopted in February 2004. The deadline for responses is 15 November.

The Internal Market in electronic public procurement: Cutting costs and red tape

Public procurement is a key sector of the EU economy accounting for about 16% of GDP. Modernising and opening up procurement markets across borders – including the use of electronic procurement -– is important for Europe’s competitiveness and for creating new opportunities for EU businesses in the Internal Market.

The Commission has identified electronic public procurement as an area where large gains can be achieved. Appropriate use of information technology can help reduce costs, improve efficiency and remove barriers to trade, ultimately resulting in savings for taxpayers and less red tape for businesses.

The Directives, which were adopted in February 2004 as part of the legislative package to modernise public procurement, provide a legal framework aimed at boosting the development and use of electronic procurement.

The Commission intends to issue an Action Plan to help Member States to fully implement the Directives and to release the full potential of using electronic public procurement.

As part of its preparations, the Commission needs input from businesses on existing barriers, expectations and challenges in this area.