The EC public procurement rules

In recent years and on the basis of its alleged economic importance, the EC has undertaken an ambitious legal programme in the field of public procurement. However, despite the substantial modifications of domestic regulatory frameworks which have resulted, the adopted measures have proven largely ineffective. They have not achieved their main objective, which was to ensure European-wide competition in domestic public procurement.

This book offers a comprehensive discussion of the Community public procurement legal policy and the reasons for its failure. The adequacy and convenience of the adopted supranational regulation is critically assessed in the light of the subsidiary principle. In view of the conclusions reached, alternative policies are proposed.

The book goes beyond a mere legal analysis of the issues involved. Economic, legal and political aspects which affect supranational regulation of public procurement are brought together in the discussion following a contextual approach.