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European Commission proposes new Public Procurement Act
The European Commission has proposed a new Public Procurement Act to replace three existing directives with a single, directly applicable regulation. The proposal aims to modernize procurement processes across the European Union, a sector representing approximately 15% of the EU's GDP.
A central feature of the proposal is the establishment of the Best Price-Quality Ratio as the standard award criterion. Under this framework, quality-related criteria must account for at least 30% of the evaluation score, a figure that rises to 50% for labor-intensive contracts. This shift is intended to prioritize environmental sustainability, social factors, innovation, and resilience over the lowest possible price.
The regulation also introduces several specific provisions. Article 53 allows public buyers to consider Geographical Indications in food procurement to support quality and sustainability. Additionally, the proposal emphasizes strategic procurement to promote a circular economy and the use of recycled materials. It also includes measures to enhance supply chain security, cybersecurity, and digital integration through European digital platforms.
While the Commission views these changes as a way to simplify rules and boost competitiveness, some professional bodies have expressed concerns. The National Council of Architects (CNAPPC) in Italy argued that the regulation penalizes architectural quality by treating professional design services similarly to ordinary services, potentially undermining the importance of the design process in public works.
Entities
Alessandro Panci · Avfall Sverige · Consiglio Nazionale degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti, Conservatori ( · European Commission · European Union · National Council of Architects (CNAPPC) · National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects, and Conservators · Rino La Mendola
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposal establishes the Best Price-Quality Ratio as the standard award criterion. esgnews.it · www.qualivita.it · www.ordinearchitettiagrigento.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Public procurement accounts for approximately 15% of the European Union's GDP. economedia.ro · esgnews.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The quality weight increases to 50% for labor-intensive contracts. esgnews.it · avfallsbransjen.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Article 53 allows public buyers to consider Geographical Indications in food procurement. www.qualivita.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Quality criteria must represent at least 30% of the evaluation score. esgnews.it · www.qualivita.it · avfallsbransjen.no · www.ordinearchitettiagrigento.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] The European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Public Procurement Act on September 9, 2026. www.ordinearchitettiagrigento.it · economedia.ro · esgnews.it · www.qualivita.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The National Council of Architects (CNAPPC) claims the regulation penalizes architectural quality by treating it as an ordinary service. www.ordinearchitettiagrigento.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new regulation aims to consolidate and simplify three existing directives into a single, directly applicable framework. www.qualivita.it · economedia.ro