On 21 March 2012, the EC published proposals to improve the business opportunities of EU firms in procurement markets, specifically in respect of access to international markets. The aim of the proposals is to increase EU trading partners’ incentives to open their own markets to European suppliers. These proposals form part of a raft of recent measures by the EC in respect of public procurement. On 30 January 2012, the EC published for consultation a draft guide on elements of best practice for the procurement of information and communications technology (ICT). The aim of the guide is to assist authorities promoting efficiency and reducing the risk of becoming overly dependent on single ICT suppliers. In the same month, on 20 January 2012, the EC published proposals to modernise the European public procurement market. This included measures to simplify and make procedures more flexible such as increasing the possible use of negotiation and reducing documentation requirements. Further, on 11 January 2012, the EC also invited views from stakeholders on green public procurement (GPP), as part of its wider consultation on the possible introduction of EU measures for delivering sustainable consumption and production. As part of this review, the EC sought views on the most appropriate approach at the EU level to increase the role of GPP in promoting environment friendly consumption.
DotEcon has supported clients in respect of procurement practices and their impact on competition. For example, in 2004, DotEcon prepared a report for the OFT, providing it with a framework for assessing the impact of procurement practices on competition, along with a screening approach to assist it in identifying sectors for further investigation.