Press Release: Public procurement: Commission issues guidance on how to award low-value contracts fairly

The European Commission has published guidance on how public authorities should award contracts of low monetary value fairly. These contracts account for the vast majority of public contracts in the EU – over 90% in some Member States. Although they are not covered by the EU Directives on public procurement, it is well established that their award should nevertheless comply with the internal market principles of transparency and non-discrimination. The Commission's guidance, which is in the form of an 'Interpretative Communication', contains suggestions on how public authorities should comply with these principles, together with examples of innovative ways to award contracts in a modern, transparent and cost-efficient manner. The guidance also applies to certain services not fully covered by the EU Directives on public procurement.

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/06/303 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/303&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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