Last week, an EBC delegation led by President Philip van Nieuwenhuizen met Dutch MEP Jeannette Baljeu (Renew Europe) to discuss key priorities for SMEs in construction in the context of the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on public procurement (2024/2103(INI)), led by Rapporteur Piotr Müller (ECR, Poland). MEP Baljeu is a shadow rapporteur for this report. This engagement comes as the EU prepares to evaluate its Public Procurement Directives, with a strong focus on improving access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector.
Aligning with the European Commission’s Evaluation
On 13 December 2024, the European Commission launched an evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives, covering Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement, Directive 2014/23/EU on concession contracts, and Directive 2014/25/EU on procurement in utilities sectors. The evaluation seeks to determine whether the current framework remains fit for purpose and to identify possible reforms to enhance transparency, sustainability, and participation. This public consultation remains open until 7 March 2025.
Key Priorities for SMEs in Public Procurement
Given MEP Baljeu’s expertise in construction research, the exchange focused on the simplification of public procurement rules, the debate on quality over price, issues in subcontracting and the local economy principle. Discussions also covered how public authorities can be better staffed and preparate to support SME participation, and how local economic priorities can be better reflected in procurement decisions. To reduce administrative burdens for SMEs, promote fair competition, and revise social and environmental considerations is central to EBC’s reflections so that we can ensure that the revised framework enables SMEs to compete effectively. This can primary be achieved by increasing the amount of lots in which public contracts are allocated, to the benefit of both public buyers, local communities as well as small contractors active in construction and infrastructure.
EBC will continue engaging with policymakers to ensure that the upcoming initiative report and potential legislative revisions reflect the needs of SMEs and the reality of the construction
To read the EBC position paper on the implementation of public procurement in the EU (2020), click here.
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