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Access to external public procurement markets
26 June 2011
Reference is made to a recent public consultation initiative that the EU Commission has initiated. This is a joint initiative between DG Trade and DG Internal Market. The consultation period is between 8th June 2011 and 2nd August 2011. We will have the change to discuss this in the next meeting at EPD scheduled for the 27th of June.
In substance, the consultation aims to gather views from interested parties in respect of the current approach on public procurement adopted by the EU through international commitments (WTO Government Procurement Agreement) and bilateral/regional FTAs. The EU always had a very open approach when it comes to international public procurement (subject to the relevant regulations and thresholds) and has committed itself to granting market access to its public procurement market for certain foreign goods, services and companies. In contrast to the EU's policy favouring greater openness, many third countries are reluctant to (further) open their procurement markets to international competition, which limits business opportunities for EU companies in these markets. Similarly, some trading partners have maintained or introduced protectionist measures hitting EU companies. In this respect, the Commission is currently carrying out an impact assessment analysing how to set proportionate, coherent and effective terms of access to the EU public procurement markets for foreign goods, services and companies.
The replies to this consultation will feed the impact assessment with data, information and views of stakeholders on the current situation on the public procurement market of the EU and of third countries and on the (possible) effects of EU legislation in this field.
For a copy of the questionnaire do not hesitate to contact the GRTU.
