Press Release: Public procurement: Commission requests the Netherlands to review contract for supply and management of coffee machines in Noord-Holland

The European Commission decided to send a formal request to The Netherlands concerning the award of a public contract for the supply and management of coffee machines by the Province of Noord-Holland. In the Commission's view, the tender procedure used by the Province of Noord-Holland did not meet the requirements of EU public procurement rules, thereby restricting competition. 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.