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Public procurement
A New Deal for European Defence: Commission proposes industrial action plan
24/06/2014
The European Commission has today presented a roadmap for measures to strengthen the Single Market for defence, to promote a more competitive defence industry and to foster synergies between civil and military research.
Commission welcomes the revised World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
04/04/2014
The European Commission welcomes the entry into force on 6 April 2014 of the revised GPA concluded in December 2011. Businesses in countries that are party to the agreement will gain better access to each other’s public procurement markets. According to WTO estimates, the revision of the GPA will bring extra procurement opportunities worth around € 80 billion.
New rules on public procurement and concession contracts published
28/03/2014
On 28 March, new EU rules on public procurement and concessions were published in the EU Official Journal. The legislative package will enter into force on 17 April. Member States will then have 24 months to implement the provisions into national law.
EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways
27/03/2014
The European Commission is organising together with the Japanese Ministry for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism the first meeting of the EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways today in Brussels.
E-invoicing in public procurement: European Parliament backs Commission proposal to eliminate barriers to cross-border public procurement
11/03/2014
The European Parliament has today backed with a substantial majority the European Commission’s proposal to modernise Europe’s rules on e-invoicing in public procurement. The new rules will contribute to eliminating barriers to cross-border public procurement by ensuring interoperability between national e-invoicing systems which, ultimately, will result in a better functioning Single Market.
Vice President Tajani and Commissioner Barnier co-host a high-level conference on the defence industry and markets in Brussels on 4 March
03/03/2014
The changing international economic situation and constantly emerging new security concerns mean that the European defence industry must transform itself to be capable of maintaining the security of the EU in the years to come. In this context, the key objective of this high-level conference on “Setting the agenda for the European defence sector” - which will be opened by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso - is to work with this sector to identify the best ways to implement the actions set out in the recent Commission Communication on defence, in the light of the European Council Conclusions adopted in December 2013.
Directive on e-invoicing in public procurement: Commissioner Barnier welcomes the trilogue agreement
24/01/2014
“I congratulate the European Parliament and the Council on having reached agreement today on the draft directive on e-invoicing in public procurement. This agreement will contribute to eliminating barriers to cross-border public procurement. It will also ensure interoperability between national e-invoicing systems and, ultimately, a better functioning of the Single Market. (...) The adoption of e-invoicing in public procurement alone across the EU could generate savings of up to €2.3 billion.”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes European Parliament vote on the Directives on public procurement and concessions
15/01/2014
“I congratulate the European Parliament for having today adopted the public procurement directives and the new directive on the award of concessions. (...) The new rules (...) have three main objectives: simplification, flexibility and legal certainty. Through this reform, public authorities can optimise their use of public procurement which, with nearly 19% of European GDP, is a key driver of our economy”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Statement by Commissioner Barnier following the Competitiveness Council
02/12/2013
“I would like to congratulate the Lithuanian Presidency for its excellent work and significant progress in the negotiations on the different issues addressed at the Competitiveness Council”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes the European Parliament consent to the conclusion of the revised World Trade Organisation’s Government Procurement Agreement
19/11/2013
“The European Parliament has today given its consent to the conclusion of the revised World Trade Organisation’s Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). This will ensure that GPA Parties will further open up their domestic public procurement markets to EU bidders”. Declaration by Commissionner Barnier.
The Oosterweel Project: joint press release of Commissioner Barnier/Kris Peeters
04/11/2013
Commissioner Barnier and Minister-President of Flanders, Kris Peeters, met today in Brussels. The meeting was to discuss the issues related to European public procurement law raised in the context of the Oosterweel project to complete the Antwerp ring.
Towards a more competitive and efficient European defence security – The Commission issues a communication
24/07/2013
The successive waves of cuts in defence budgets and the persisting fragmentation of defence markets in Europe threaten Europe’s capacity to sustain effective defence capabilities and a competitive defence industry. This also jeopardises Europe’s capacity to meet the new security challenges in an autonomous and effective way. This is why the European Commission has presented today a Communication which contains an Action Plan to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Europe’s defence and security sector.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes agreement on modernisation of public procurement rules and concessions
26/06/2013
“I congratulate the European Parliament and the Council on having reached an agreement today on the reform of EU legislation on public procurement ((...)) and on the new Directive on the award of concession contracts”. Statements by Commissioner Barnier.
E-invoicing in public procurement: another step towards end-to-end e-procurement and e-government in Europe
26/06/2013
The European Commission has today proposed a draft directive on e-invoicing in public procurement, accompanied by a communication setting out its vision for the full digitisation of the public procurement process, so-called “end-to-end e-procurement”.
Exclusion of water from the Concessions Directive: Statement by Commissioner Barnier
21/06/2013
“For months now, there have been reports that the European Commission is trying to privatise water by the back door, through its proposal on concessions. This has never been the intention. (...) Despite all the changes to the legal text, (...) it is my judgment that the text we now have relating to water (...) does not provide the reassurances that citizens expect (...). That is why the best solution now appears to remove water from the scope of the concessions directive”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
What is the European Commission doing to fight against organised crime and corruption in the single market?
27/05/2013
"Tax evasion, money laundering, corruption, counterfeiting, piracy, all threaten the integrity of the single market and the confidence of our citizens". Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the European Parliament's special commission on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering.
Water services: Directive on concessions will not lead to forced privatisation
24/01/2013
In the context of discussions on the European Commission’s proposal on the award of concession contracts, the Commission stands accused in some media of wanting to privatise the distribution of water. The Commission denies all allegations of such an intention which is a deliberately erroneous reading of the legislative proposal.
Mandatory social security services: Reaction by the Commission to Mr Tarabella's press release
18/10/2012
In a press release dated 17 October 2012, Marc Tabella MEP states that, in the framework of the legislative initiative on public procurement, the Commission is proposing to “open up mandatory social security services to the private sector.” The Commission formally denies any allegation of such an intention.
Concessions: a clear, flexible and useful framework to improve legal certainty for companies and the services offered to European citizens
25/09/2012
"I am convinced that, in the face of difficulties and crises, the solution is not to withdraw into nationalism or protectionism (…) The subject we are discussing today, concessions, is a perfect illustration of this." Speech by Commissioner Barnier at a debate on public service concessions organised by EurActiv.fr.
The challenges and opportunities of e-procurement
26/06/2012
"We want to make e-procurement the rule rather than the exception (...) Electronic procurement offers a unique opportunity to reform public procurement by radically simplifying its procedures. This represents a significant untapped potential for the European economy ". Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the 1st Annual Conference on e-procurement.
Moving to full e-procurement by 2016
20/04/2012
Increasing the use of e-procurement in Europe can generate significant savings for European taxpayers. These savings would maximise the efficiency of public spending in the current context of fiscal constraints. E-procurement can also participate in providing new sources of economic growth and jobs. The European Commission has adopted a communication setting out a strategy to make the use of e-procurement the rule in the EU by mid-2016.
Aspiring to a free market – Article
04/04/2012
How can we open global markets for the benefit of European consumers, business and job creation? The example of public procurement. Article by Commissioners K. de Gucht and M. Barnier. elEconomista.
More transparent rules for international public procurement
04/04/2012
Statement by Commissioner Barnier on the formal adoption of the revised Government Procurement Agreement.
European Commission levels the playing field for European business in international procurement markets
21/03/2012
The European Commission proposes to improve business opportunities for EU firms in procurement markets. The main objective of the initiative is to help open worldwide public procurement markets and to ensure European businesses have fair access to them. The proposal also aims to ensure that all companies (both European and non-European firms) are on an equal footing when it comes to competing for business in the EU's lucrative public procurement market.
Modernising European public procurement to support growth and employment
20/12/2011
The efficiency of public tendering has become a priority for all Member States, in view of the current budgetary constraints. The revision of the public procurement Directives announced by the Commission today is part of an overall programme to thoroughly modernise public tendering in the European Union. This programme also includes a Directive on concessions, which until now have been only partially regulated at European level.
Successful conclusion of the WTO's government procurement negotiation: EU succeeds in gaining more market access
15/12/2011
The World Trade Organisation's negotiations on government procurement concluded successfully after the Parties reached an agreement on an updated set of tender rules and additional market access commitments. Commissioner Barnier said: "Today, we have agreed on a significant opening of public procurement markets. Despite the temptations of protectionism during these times of global crisis, we have broken down barriers, not increased them. This will lead to more trade and benefit all economies, including Europe's".
Strengthening markets and industry to lay the foundations for a genuine European cooperation in the area of defence
09/11/2011
"In the field of defence, as in economic affairs, we need more Europe, not less. This is especially true today, as the effects of the economic crisis are increasingly felt in the dramatic reductions in military spending that can be seen in all member states."
Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the "Security & Defence Day"
Finding a framework - Article
12/07/2011
"‘Transparency and competition should remain an important part of the recipe for successful and modern public procurement rules. However, we should look for methods to implement these principles in ways that take better account of the different circumstances facing public purchasers..." Commissioner Barnier sheds light on plans to reform and strengthen policy governing public procurement across Europe. PPP Journal: Issue 73.
The Future of Public Procurement
30/06/2011
Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the conference on the modernisation of EU Public Procurement Policy (Brussels).
Single Market Act: EU public procurement framework has saved around 20 billions euros
24/06/2011
Today, the Commission published the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of EU public procurement legislation. It also published a synthesis of the main views expressed by the over 620 respondents to the Green Paper on modernisation of EU public procurement legislation. Reform of public procurement legislation is one of the 12 priority actions set out in the Single Market Act.
Opening up EU defence markets
10/06/2011
On 23 May the Commission organised a high level conference on defence and security industries and markets. Over 500 participants, including ministers, MEPs, EU civil servants, industry representatives, researchers and experts from the sector attended the event.
European Commission consults public authorities, business and civil society on access to external public procurement markets
07/06/2011
The European Commission is consulting stakeholders in all EU Member States for their views on a new policy on the access to the EU's public procurement markets as announced in the Single Market Act of April 2011.
High Level Conference on Defence and Security Industries and Markets
23/05/2011
On 23 May 2011, the European Commission held a high-level conference on Defence and Security Industries and Markets. This event has been organised in the context of the transposition of the two Defence related Directives and provided the opportunity to discuss the current state and future perspectives of the sector which is of strategic importance for Europe.
Modernising public procurement and deepening the Single Market for services: two key initiatives to stimulate growth
27/01/2011
The European Commission has launched today a consultation on the modernisation of the rules on public procurement. It has also adopted an ambitious action plan to further unlock the potential of the Single Market for services.
"If we want to make life easier for businesses, we clearly should simplify procedures " - Interview
02/12/2010
In an interview with "achatpublic.info" Commissioner Barnier outlines his priorities for the review of the public procurement directives. Interview by Matthew Bion © achatpublic.info.
Public procurement: Michel Barnier wants the transposition of the GPA agreement - Interview
30/11/2010
The Commission has announced a legislative proposal for 2011 to ensure reciprocity between the EU and third countries for access to public markets. Interview by M. Bion, Agence Europe.
e-Procurement - putting innovation to work for Europe
25/11/2010
E-procurement is a powerful ally as we struggle with the twin challenges of budgetary consolidation and low growth. It can deliver important savings of time and money. However, it remains under-used in Europe. It is time to act in order to enable all stakeholders to fully benefit from a transition to e-procurement. If legislative change is needed to support this transition, we will make those changes in the context of the modernisation of the procurement Directives announced in the Single Market Act.
European Commission acts to expand the use of e-procurement in the EU
18/10/2010
The European Commission is today launching a consultation on e-procurement. Taking the form of a Green Paper, the consultation will seek the views of interested parties on how the EU can help Member States to speed up and facilitate the procurement process. At the same time, the Commission is offering access to its e-CERTIS database which provides an on-line storehouse of the documents which are most frequently requested in the 27 Member States.
Internal Market: Commission acts to ensure that 12 Member States implement EU rules on shareholders' rights in listed companies and public procurement redress (IP/10/815)
24/06/2010
Public procurement: Commission acts to ensure fair access to notebook computers and Internet services contracts for education purposes in Portugal (IP/10/678)
03/06/2010
Public procurement: Commission requests Germany to comply with Court judgment on the construction of trade fair halls in Cologne and to ensure fair access to waste disposal contracts in Hamm (IP/10/683)
03/06/2010
Internal Market: Commission acts to ensure that 8 Member States implement EU rules on payment services and public procurement redress (IP/10/682)
03/06/2010
Public procurement: Commission refers Netherlands to Court over land development project in the Municipality of Eindhoven (IP/10/679)
03/06/2010
Public procurement: Commission refers Netherlands to Court over contract award in Province of Noord-Holland (IP/10/499)
05/05/2010
Public procurement: Commission closes infringement procedure against United Kingdom over land contract in York (IP/10/507)
05/05/2010
Public procurement: Commission calls on Czech Republic to respect public procurement rules for military aircraft (IP/10/501)
05/05/2010
Public procurement: Commission requests Austria and Germany to review award of contracts for food supply to Upper Austrian hospitals and for waste disposal in Wesermarsch (Lower Saxony) (IP/10/302)
18/03/2010
Public procurement: Commission takes action against Portugal to ensure that individuals have access to public service contracts (IP/10/303)
18/03/2010
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