Council of the EU adopts modernised Public Procurement Directives

On February 11th, 2014, the Council of the European Union adopted the legislative package for the modernisation of public procurement in the EU. The European Parliament had already approved the proposed texts on 15 January 2014.

The complete overhaul of the European public procurement legislation aims to simplify and streamline procurement procedures, emphasize environmental protection and more social responsibility, and facilitate the access for SMEs. The modernisation further strives to safeguard sound procedures and good governance in public procurement.

The new package consists of a new public procurement Directive replacing 2004/18/EC, a modernised Directive on procurement in the utilities sector replacing Directive 2004/17/EC, and a newly introduced Directive on concession contract awards.

Please find more information in the press release of the Council of the European Union.