Public procurement : Commission recognises need for accelerated procurement procedure
In its conclusions of 12 December the European Council invited the Commission to adopt a number of measures in response to the financial crisis. The public procurement Directive 2004/18/EC allows recourse to accelerated procedures where justified on the grounds of urgency. The Commission recognises that the exceptional nature of the current economic situation can justify […]
Commission publishes new practical guidelines for Member States on how to make public procurement more SME-friendly
In the context of the Small Business Act (SBA), the European Commission has published a set of practical examples and guidelines which will enable Member States and public authorities to make their public procurement rules and practices more friendly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Public procurement in the EU – i.e. the purchases of […]
Electronic Procurement in the EU opens doors to cross-border business
The European Commission is moving a step closer to making it easier for companies, in particular Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), to bid for public sector contracts anywhere in the EU; a crucial step towards achieving the Single European Market. The Commission will co-finance a pilot project, driven by eight European countries that will […]
Commission issues guidance on setting up Institutionalised Public-Private Partnerships
Commission issues guidance on setting up Institutionalised Public-Private Partnerships – Frequently Asked Questions What are Institutionalised Public-Private Partnerships (IPPP)? There is no legal definition of IPPP in Community law. The Commission understands IPPP as a co-operation between public and private parties involving the establishment of a mixed capital entity which performs public contracts or concessions. […]