European public procurement rules: an overview
Public procurement across the EU and EEA is governed by the EU procurement directives and their national implementations. Here's an overview of what you need to know as a supplier.
The purpose of the rules
Procurement law exists to promote efficient use of public funds and ensure the public sector acts with integrity. The core principles are competition, equal treatment, predictability, transparency and proportionality.
Who is covered?
All central, regional and local government bodies, plus bodies governed by public law and certain public undertakings. Private entities that receive more than 50 % of their funding from public sources can also be covered.
Your right to complain
As a supplier you can challenge a procurement you believe was run in breach of the rules. In Norway, complaints go to KOFA (Klagenemnda for offentlige anskaffelser); other countries have equivalent bodies, and litigation is always available. The 10-day standstill period gives you time to evaluate whether to challenge before contracts are signed.
Ready to try Tenderen?
Start for free and see how AI can help you find and win more public tenders.