Willem Janssen on Gemeente.nu about the public procurement agenda of the new European Commission
In a (Dutch website on municipality issues) of 14 October 2019, dr. Willem Janssen discusses the public procurement agenda of the new European Commission; Commission-Von der Leyen.
According to Janssen, there are no major shifts to be expected on this issue. Like before, the focus will be on strategic use of public procurement, access for medium and small enterprises and the professionalization of procurement practice. The defense sector is, however, the exception. Regulatory actions or policy can be expected. One of the most eye-catching policy objectives is the so-called ‘New Green Deal’ which is part of the responsibilities of Dutch commissioner Frans Timmermans. Although there is no explicit reference to public procurement in the letter for Timmermans, it seems likely that the incoming Commission will continue the policy agenda of the Juncker Commission on this issue. The importance of public procurement for the achievement of policy objectives such as sustainability will in that regard remain crucial.