Sustainable procurement in a European context

The EU public procurement market is a fundamental part of the European single market and is governed by rules and regulations intended to remove barriers and guarantee non-discriminatory and competitive markets. The principle of public procurement is to introduce a broad range of potential suppliers to the public sector and utilities resulting in reduced cost, while at the same time opening up national markets for all EU-based bidders. The principles of non-discrimination, transparency and economic viability are aimed at ensuring the free movement of goods and services within the EU.