The European Commission opened a consultation on the modernisation of the EU’s public procurement, as it prepares the way for possible changes to the rules.
Amongst the issues open for comment are how, and if, public procurement can be used to drive innovation and ways to make it easier for small companies to bid for public contracts.
“We need to clarify public procurement rules to make life easier for both public authorities and companies bidding for contracts in Europe,” Michel Barnier, Internal Market and Services Commissioner said as he launched the consultation today (27 January).
Also at issue is how to put in place simple and flexible procedures that will allow public bodies to use their procurement budgets in ways that allow them to contribute to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, including fostering innovation, protecting the environment and fighting climate change.
On innovation, it is suggested that a certain percentage of budgets are put aside for the purchase of innovative goods and services. Other areas under the spotlight are reducing red tape and promoting European cross-border procurement.
Public procurement accounts for some 17 per cent of the EU’s gross domestic product and the EU’s Innovation Union strategy highlighted this as potential tool to spur innovation. “Putting this 17 per cent to the best possible use is essential for re-launching our economy and creating jobs, even more so in a period of crisis,” the Commission said.
Many voices have called for a review of the EU public procurement system to streamline its procedures. Barriers identified in the past include incentives that favour low-risk products; a lack of knowledge and/or capability needed to procure new technologies; and a lack of alignment between public procurement and policy objectives.
Alongside the public consultation, the Commission is taking stock of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Europe’s public procurement rules. Both strands will be discussed at a June 30 conference on public procurement reform and then feed into any legislative proposals.
Responses to the Green Paper: [email protected]
Green Paper: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/publicprocurement/modernising_rules/consultations/index_en.htm
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