This new EU-wide legal framework provides an opportunity to turn public procurement into a strategic policy instrument. They allow environmental and social considerations, as well as innovation aspects to be taken into account when awarding public contracts. Under the new rules, it will also be easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in public tenders. These companies have great potential to create jobs and drive innovation. In addition, the rules on conflicts of interest and unlawful conduct will be strengthened to ensure the fair, equitable, transparent and non-discriminatory award of contracts. Finally, the new rules will simplify public procurement procedures and make them more flexible.
The full publication is available here: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8562
Source: European Commission website
