The European Commission has published proposals to reform and modernise public tendering in the European Union. 

The primary objective of the proposals is to make public procurement procedures simpler and more flexible. The reforms aim to reduce administrative burdens, extend electronic procurement, enhance SME participation and allow wider use of the negotiated procedure.

An important development is the proposal for a directive on concessions which up until now have only been partially regulated at European level.

It is also proposed that the distinction between priority and non-priority services be removed so as to extend the full application of public procurement rules to all services. Special rules are proposed for social services.

If the proposals are adopted this year, as scheduled, it is envisaged that the new rules will be in place across the EU by mid 2014.

Contributed by Claire Waterson.