New EU directive to mix things up

The new directives overhaul the current EU public procurement rules and for the first time, sets common EU standards on concession contracts to boost fair competition and ensure best value for money.

This will be done by introducing new award criteria that place more emphasis on environmental considerations, social aspects and innovation.

Isabelle Ryckbost, secretary general, ESPO, told Port Strategy: “Following the adoption of the directive, port authorities are in the process of assessing the impact of the new rules in the port contracts.”

But ESPO says it’s too early to identify benefits or challenges linked to the application of the new EU directive.

However, it does welcome “that land lease agreements are clearly out of the scope of the directive on the award of concessions”, Ms Ryckbost added.

The EU says the bidding procedure for companies will also be simpler, with a standard ‘European Single Procurement Document’ based on self-declarations. Only the winning bidder will have to provide original documentation.

The new rules also encourage the division of contracts into lots to make it easier for smaller firms to bid.

The new directives will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. After this date, member states will have 24 months to implement the provisions of the new rules into national law.