EU Public Procurement: a new framework for simpler and smarter procedures
10 September 26 4-min read
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a new Regulation aimed at modernising and simplifying the EU public procurement framework. The initiative is designed to support effective public investment in services and infrastructure while contributing to the achievement of the European Union's policy objectives.
The proposed revision introduces a single, harmonised set of procurement rules applicable across all Member States, with the objective of streamlining procedures and reducing administrative burdens. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen security, resilience and the EU's strategic autonomy.
The new framework also promotes greater transparency, competition and sustainability. It encourages the use of quality-based award criteria, supports environmental and social considerations, and aims to foster innovation in public procurement processes. In addition, the proposal seeks to facilitate cross-border participation through a common digital platform and enhanced data exchange mechanisms, making procurement opportunities more accessible across the European Union.
EC Public Procurement Press Release | 9 Sept 2026
Why does it matter?
The European Commission is proposing a major reform of the EU public procurement framework. While there had initially been discussion about a new Directive to replace the current framework, which dates back more than a decade, the proposed approach has now moved towards a single Regulation.
The distinction is important. A Directive needs to be transposed into national law by each Member State, while a Regulation is directly applicable across the EU.
In practical terms, this could significantly simplify the interpretation and application of public procurement rules and contribute to a more consistent legal framework across Member States.
For Member States, it could also help address a long-standing goal: avoiding different rules and interpretations for procurement financed from national resources and procurement financed from EU funds, where the same EU public procurement framework applies.
Why is public procurement so complex today?
Ask any practitioner, and the answer will probably be: it is complicated.
To put this into perspective, Directive 2014/24/EU contains 94 articles and 15 annexes. The national legislation transposing the Directive in each Member State adds another layer of rules, often comprising numerous articles and annexes.
And this is only the beginning.
National implementing rules, government decisions and other regulatory acts add further requirements. Many of these instruments have also been amended repeatedly over the years.
There are then national decisions, instructions and guidance issued by the national authorities/agencies responsible for public procurement. The interpretation of all these provisions is further shaped by national review and complaints bodies and by the courts. In practice, even very similar cases can sometimes result in different or contradictory interpretations.
And there is one more layer to consider: programmes themselves. Interreg programmes and managing authorities may have their own guidance, procedures, checklists and verification requirements for procurement financed through their programmes.
A new opportunity for simplification?
This creates a highly complex environment for public authorities, beneficiaries and procurement practitioners, particularly in Interreg, where procurement involve beneficiaries operating under different national legal systems.
The move towards a single, directly applicable Public Procurement Act could therefore represent an important step towards greater harmonisation and a simpler procurement environment.
For Interreg programmes, however, the key question will be how the new EU framework interacts with national rules that remain applicable, and how programme level guidance, control and audit approaches will need to adapt.
The forthcoming reform will therefore be important for Interreg programmes, managing authorities, joint secretariats, auditors, controllers and Interreg beneficiaries as well.
The challenge ahead is to turn a complex multi layered system into a framework that is easier to understand, apply and control, without losing the safeguards needed to ensure fair competition, transparency and sound financial management.
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