EC publishes new guidelines on public procurement

The European Commission has published new guidelines on public procurement on how to avoid errors frequently seen in public procurement for projects co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Funds. It is intended to facilitate the implementation of operational programmes and to encourage good practice. It is not legally binding but aims to provide general recommendations and to reflect best practice.

The aim is to support public procurement officials in Europe’s Member States, regions and cities, taking them step-by-step through the process, highlighting areas where mistakes are typically made and showing how to avoid them.

Efficient, effective, transparent and professional public procurement is essential for strengthening the Single Market and stimulating investment in the European Union. It is also a key instrument to deliver the benefits of the Cohesion Policy to the European citizen and businesses.

This updated guidance was prepared by the Commission services involved in public procurement, as well as in consultation with the public procurement experts in the Member States. It is one of the building blocks of the Commission’s ambitious Action Plan on Public Procurement and contributes to the objectives of the recently adopted EU public procurement package.