Public procurement accounts for a significant share of the EU economy and therefore is also considered a key element to foster the European economy while also pursuing strategic targets (e.g. technological innovation, social or ecological objectives).

In 2014, the modernisation of the EU public procurement framework in 2014 marked a positive step by making the so-called Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle the basis for the award of contracts. However, the MEAT can be assessed in different ways and awarding contracts on price-based only criteria is still a possibility. As stated by the European Commission in its public procurement strategy from October 2017, 55% of procurement procedures still use the lowest price as the only award criterion. An approach based on the best price quality ratio, however, is the most likely to guarantee the best use of public money. 

On Tuesday 4 September 2018, Member of the European Parliament Maria Grapini and UNIFE – the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry – will organise a roundtable to discuss how the implementation of the MEAT principle in procurement practices can lead to a more sustainable approach to public procurement for infrastructure. The panel will consist of representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission and from the European industry.

Further details will be provided soon. Meanwhile, we kindly ask you to save the date in your agenda and to register by filling in the registration form below.

For further information about the event, please contact Jonathan Nguyen at jonathan.nguyen@unife.org.