EC sends Romania letter of formal notice regarding EU rules on public procurement, concessions
The European Commission (EC) has decided to open infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia for non-compliance of national rules with the EU legislation on public procurement, according to a press release issued on Wednesday by EC.
This EU legislation includes the Directive on public procurement (Directive 2014/24/EU), the Directive on procurement in the utilities sectors (Directive 2014/25/EU) and the Directive on the award of concession contracts (Directive 2014/23/EU).
These EU rules ensure the equal treatment of economic operators interested in participating in procurement procedures and the respect of the obligation of transparency.
The commission is addressing the countries over various issues. It has identified several instances where national legislation allows for the use of negotiated procedures without prior publication.
Other identified issues address national rules, which allow modifications of contracts related to public tasks and services, impose limits to subcontracting or introduce direct discrimination in favour of certain products originating in the region where the contracting authority is established. Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia have now two months to address the concerns raised by the commission. Otherwise, the commission may decide to send reasoned opinions to these member states.
AGERPRES