Public procurement is a key sector of the EU economy accounting for about 16% of GDP. Modernising and opening up procurement markets across borders – including through the expansion of electronic procurement – is crucial to Europe’s competitiveness and for creating new opportunities for EU businesses.

Using information technology appropriately can contribute to reducing costs, improving efficiency and removing barriers to trade, which will ultimately result in savings for taxpayers. The Directives adopted in March 2004 as part of the public procurement legislative package provide a legal framework aimed at boosting the development and use of electronic procurement.