1. BUSINESSEUROPE The Confederation of European Business
Meeting with Norwegian delegation
- 11 June
Anna Constable
Adviser
Internal Market
A. Constable

2. BUSINESSEUROPE’s public procurement work
Outline presentation
BUSINESSEUROPE
BUSINESSEUROPE’s public procurement work
Advice to municipalities in their public procurement work
A. Constable

3. What is BUSINESSEUROPE?
Mission
Purpose
Pillars
Influence EU policies to create a business-friendly environment
Members FIRST
Staff: about 50 persons
Supporting network of 51 companies (ASGroup)
Alliance for a Competitive European Industry
Actively promote and represent business in Europe
Advocate a favorable and competitive business environment to foster sustainable economic growth
Representative of more than 20 million small, medium and large companies
A Social Partner
A. Constable

4. Members and structure
Constable

5. BUSINESSEUROPE activities
7 main policy committees
Economic & Financial Affairs Committee
International Relations Committee
Industrial Affairs Committee
Social Affairs Committee
Legal Affairs Committee
Entrepreneurship & SME Committee
Internal Market Committee
60 working groups = 1200 experts
Position papers - Conferences / Workshops
- Letters - Interviews
Press releases - Headlines / Press conferences
Brochures
Constable

6. BUSINESSEUROPE - Policy priorities
Implement the reforms for growth and jobs
Integrate the European market
Govern the EU efficiently
Shape globalisation and fight all kinds of protectionism
Promote a secure, competitive and climate-friendly energy system
Reform European social systems to respond to global challenges
A. Constable

7. Public procurement– BUSINESSEUROPE’s aims
Strong and fair competition
Compliance with the fundamental principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency
Efficient procurement processes
Open procurement markets within the single market and third countries
Clear legislation
A. Constable

8. Public procurement reform proposals– background
Dec 2011: Commission published proposal to revise legal framework for public procurement
The reform addresses a number of fields (e.g. better access of SMEs, strategic use of public procurement in response to new challenges, modernising procedures…)
Currently going through trilogue negotiations (EP, Council and Commission)
Aim to reach political agreement during Irish Presidency
A. Constable

9. Public procurement reform proposals– BUSINESSEUROPE’s views
Not moving in the right direction
Concerned that the principles of transparency, market openness and competitive tendering are being put at risk
Fear that the private sector will not have access to a large number of markets
Of particular concern:
Social aspects and dropping link with subject matter of contract
Aspects relating to the scope and exemptions
Not paying enough attention to importance of good governance
A. Constable

10. Good advice for municipalities
Increase efforts to improve SME access to public procurement
Make wider use of published guides to take environmental, social and innovation considerations into account
More training for contracting authorities
Market engagement
A. Constable

11. Thank you for your attention!
Constable