Bratislava / High Tatras – The European Union is gearing up to reform its public procurement (PP) regulations. An international conference is currently taking place in the High Tatras, Slovakia, gathering leaders from the Visegrad Group (V4), alongside representatives from Albania, Ireland, and the European Commission (EC). Peter Kubovič, Chairman of the Slovak Public Procurement Office, highlighted that the reform process is in its infancy, yet there is a widespread call for simplifying existing regulations, as reported by TASR.
Kubovič emphasized the challenges faced by smaller states, noting, “Central public procurement does not operate effectively at the regional level, complicating the ability of smaller procurers to meet complex objectives. Next year, we plan to sign a memorandum with the chairs of the Czech, Polish, and Hungarian offices to establish working groups aimed at identifying common ground and addressing shared issues within the V4. Competing with larger countries like France and Germany is difficult due to differing challenges,” he explained.
He also pointed out that the current EU regulations date back to 2014. A report from the European Court of Auditors last year stated that while public procurement is essential for the functioning of the single market, competition in this area has diminished over the past decade.
In response to the auditors’ findings, the EU Council has proposed launching a pan-European strategic action plan for public procurement. “Currently, the plan consists of political objectives such as simplifying processes, reducing administrative burdens, and employing modern tools to streamline bureaucracy. For instance, in Slovakia, public procurement court cases can take up to four years to resolve, coinciding with an electoral term for the procurer. This makes acceleration a priority for all involved,” Kubovič concluded.
Petr Mlsna, head of the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition, added that there is ongoing debate within the EU about whether to implement a regulation for public procurement or continue with directives. “A regulatory approach could negatively impact issues that are already being addressed effectively in many member states. A one-size-fits-all solution could create significant uncertainty,” Mlsna noted. He stressed the importance of allowing member states to adjust their own regulations, reflecting their unique legal contexts, experiences, and competitive landscapes.
According to Kubovič, the existing EU directives have become overly complex and administratively burdensome, hindering efficient procurement management and limiting participation from various economic entities. As a result, the European Commission is initiating a comprehensive evaluation of the public procurement directives to establish new norms. (December 12)
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