Press Release: Public procurement: European Commission refers the Czech Republic to the EU Court of Justice for not complying with EU rules in the purchase of military transport aircraft

The European Commission has acted to ensure fair access to public contracts by referring the Czech Republic to the Court of Justice for not complying with its obligation to award public supply contracts on the basis of public tenders. The Commission is concerned that the Czech Republic has breached EU public procurement rules by not opening up a public contract for four military tactical transport aircraft to EU-wide competition. EU public procurement rules are designed to ensure fair competition for public contracts in Europe, thereby creating opportunities for European companies while ensuring best value for public money. If the rules are not respected, there is a risk of a closed market and waste of public money. The Commission sent a reasoned opinion – the second stage of the infringement procedure - to the Czech Republic in May 2009 asking it to comply with the EU law. As no satisfactory reply was received, the Commission has decided to take the case to the Court.