Public procurement

Part of:

Policies

Public procurement strategy
Improving EU public procurement practices in a collaborative manner by working with public authorities and other stakeholders.
E-procurement
With digital tools, public spending should become more transparent, evidence-oriented, optimised, streamlined and integrated with market conditions.
International public procurement
The EU advocates open international public procurement markets and has committed itself to granting market access to its public procurement markets.
Public procurement rules and implementation
New rules make it easier for smaller businesses to bid for public contracts and ensure the best value for money for public purchases.

Actions

Guidance

Support tools for public buyers

e-Competence Centre: tools and information to help public buyers get value for money and better policy outcomes for citizens.

Lainsäädäntö

Public procurement reform

By 18 April 2016, EU countries had to transpose 3 new directives into national law - on public procurement, on the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and on concession contracts.

Coordination

European single procurement document (ESPD) and e-Certis

ESPD and e-Certis are part of the transition to e-procurement, reducing administrative burden and simplifying access to cross-border tendering.

Objectives

ensure wider uptake of innovative, green, and social procurement
professionalise public buyers
increase access to procurement markets
improve transparency, integrity and data
boost the digital transformation of procurement
promote that authorities are buying together

Context

Every year, over 250,000 public authorities in the EU spend around 14% of GDP on the purchase of services, works and supplies.

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 all businesses across Europe, EU law sets out minimum harmonised public procurement rules.

More information on European public procurement

Documents

Consultation status: closed

Targeted consultation on the scope and structure of a Commission guide on socially responsible public procurement

Consultation period

7 December 2017 - 1 March 2018

Consultation status: closed

Targeted consultation on draft guidance on public procurement of innovation

Topics

Single market