Empowering E-Purchase in the Public Sector

Contracts for public works, goody, and services by public authorities account for 16% of the GDP of the European countries and the EEA. Effective public procurement is more important than ever because today's government must provide efficient and better services without undermining its social objectives. The European Union has adopted two new Directives on public procurement which simplify and clarify the existing Directives and has adapted them to modern electronic purchasing methods. The new legislation imposes transparency, equal treatment, social and environmental criteria and the promotion of the use of e-procurement to curb fraud and corruption and to ensure that the contract offers the best value for money.