EU moves to shield public contracts with 'Buy European' tender rules
European Commission proposes simpler EU-wide tender platform and optional 'Buy European' criteria to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The European Commission has put forward a new set of rules for public procurement, designed to make the tender process simpler and more accessible across the 27-nation bloc. The proposal, unveiled on Wednesday, includes the creation of a single EU-wide digital platform that would allow companies to view and bid for public contracts in any member state without navigating multiple national systems.
The Commission says the platform will significantly reduce the administrative burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by standardising forms and cutting paperwork. At the same time, the rules aim to shift the focus of contract awards away from price alone.
Under the proposed framework, national authorities would be allowed to exclude bids that do not meet certain EU content thresholds. This 'Buy European' option is intended to counter the advantage of cheap goods from foreign producers, notably those from China that benefit from heavy state subsidies. By giving governments the legal cover to prefer European-made products and services, the Commission hopes to reduce strategic dependencies and protect domestic industries.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to make public spending more efficient and resilient, while ensuring that taxpayer money supports European jobs and innovation. The rules will now be discussed by member states and the European Parliament before they can become law.