Press Release: Public procurement: Commission takes action against Portugal to ensure that individuals have access to public service contracts

The European Commission acted on 18 March 2010 to ensure that EU rules on public procurement – the spending of public money by public authorities – are respected in Portugal. The Commission will refer Portugal to the Court of Justice over a national law making it very difficult for individuals, as opposed to companies, to be awarded public service contracts. If individuals are prevented from accessing these contracts, there is a risk that a particular contract will not be awarded to the bidder offering best value for money. Portugal has agreed to change its law but for the time being it remains in force.