Public procurement: Commission requests the Netherlands to review contract for land development in Eindhoven awarded without competitive tender

The European Commission decided to send a formal request to The Netherlands concerning the award of a public works concession by the Municipality of Eindhoven relating to the development of a community centre known as the 'Doornakkers Centre'. In the Commission's view, this contract was awarded without a competitive tendering process as required under EU public procurement rules. This formal request took the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.