Reform of Europe’s vast public procurement market should focus on value for money, breaking down barriers to participation and minimising bureaucracy, ECR MEP Piotr Müller said today as his report on revising public procurement rules in the EU was adopted by the European Parliament.

The own-initiative report seeks to contribute to a broad reform of the public procurement system in the EU single market. Public procurement accounts for around 14 per cent of EU gross domestic product.

Technological neutrality is a key element of the Müller report as adopted by the Parliament, and “an inviolable principle of EU lawmaking” for the ECR Group. MEPs also supported the move towards the digitisation of public procurement to adapt the system to the realities of the 21st century — a move welcomed by the rapporteur.

“Taxpayers deserve to know that when their money buys goods and services for public use, the procurement system is able to maximise the value of these investments,” Mr Müller said.

“That means enhancing competition, enabling a level playing field for SMEs, respecting technological neutrality and eliminating corruption.

“Public institutions must have the courage to take the risks associated with innovation, or Europe will lose the global technology race.

“Public procurement can’t just be the preserve of large companies – it must also create real opportunities for small businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs.”

“Markets respond better to incentives than to obligations. Member States and regions are much better placed to lead on this issue than Brussels,” he said.