Portugal updates public procurement and energy purchasing rules

New public procurement rules in Portugal are set to take effect, introducing a special prior consultation mechanism for certain contracts valued up to two million euros. This procedure allows authorities to directly invite at least five companies to submit proposals, rather than launching a full public tender. The mechanism is restricted to specific sectors, including projects co-financed by European funds, public housing, digital transformation, and investments in health and social care infrastructure.

In a separate measure, the Portuguese Government has approved resolutions to centralize the purchase of electricity, natural gas, and essential fuels for hundreds of public entities through the Shared Services Entity of the Public Administration (ESPAP). This centralization aims to reduce administrative burdens and is projected to generate savings of 46 million euros by 2027, with total expenditure expected to remain below 230 million euros.