Plenary focus - January

Two thirds of procuring entities consulted by the Commission have said they are happy with the status quo and do not need a new regulation on dealing with companies from third countries in public procurement tenders. Still, the Commission went ahead, making life more complicated for local and regional authorities. The proposal is part of Commissioner De Gucht’s aggressive external trade agenda .and aims to force third countries into signing bilateral free trade agreements with the EU so that European companies can penetrate foreign public procurement markets. We must reject this proposal.