Competition for public contracts awarded by national, regional and local authorities across the EU faded away in the last decade, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors. Between 2011 and 2021, fewer and fewer businesses competed to provide works, goods and services to public bodies, while the authorities often approached specific companies directly. The 2014 reform failed to make public procurement procedures more attractive, something which could have increased competition and helped member states obtain the best value for taxpayers’ money. Indeed, procedures actually became even longer, and transparency is still an issue today.
Everything procurement & contract management
In2 the bargain 