BUSINESSEUROPE The Confederation of European Business Meeting with Norwegian delegation - 11 June 2013 - Anna Constable Adviser Internal Market A. Constable 11-06-2013

BUSINESSEUROPE’s public procurement work Outline presentation BUSINESSEUROPE BUSINESSEUROPE’s public procurement work Advice to municipalities in their public procurement work A. Constable 11-06-2013

What is BUSINESSEUROPE? Mission Purpose Pillars Influence EU policies to create a business-friendly environment Members FIRST Staff: about 50 persons Supporting network of 51 companies (ASGroup) Alliance for a Competitive European Industry Actively promote and represent business in Europe Advocate a favorable and competitive business environment to foster sustainable economic growth Representative of more than 20 million small, medium and large companies A Social Partner A. Constable 11-06-2013

Members and structure Constable 11-06-2013

BUSINESSEUROPE activities   7 main policy committees Economic & Financial Affairs Committee International Relations Committee Industrial Affairs Committee Social Affairs Committee Legal Affairs Committee Entrepreneurship & SME Committee Internal Market Committee 60 working groups = 1200 experts Position papers - Conferences / Workshops - Letters - Interviews Press releases - Headlines / Press conferences Brochures Constable 11-06-2013

BUSINESSEUROPE - Policy priorities Implement the reforms for growth and jobs Integrate the European market Govern the EU efficiently Shape globalisation and fight all kinds of protectionism Promote a secure, competitive and climate-friendly energy system Reform European social systems to respond to global challenges A. Constable 11-06-2013

Public procurement– BUSINESSEUROPE’s aims Strong and fair competition Compliance with the fundamental principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency Efficient procurement processes Open procurement markets within the single market and third countries Clear legislation A. Constable 11-06-2013

Public procurement reform proposals– background Dec 2011: Commission published proposal to revise legal framework for public procurement The reform addresses a number of fields (e.g. better access of SMEs, strategic use of public procurement in response to new challenges, modernising procedures…) Currently going through trilogue negotiations (EP, Council and Commission) Aim to reach political agreement during Irish Presidency A. Constable 11-06-2013

Public procurement reform proposals– BUSINESSEUROPE’s views Not moving in the right direction Concerned that the principles of transparency, market openness and competitive tendering are being put at risk Fear that the private sector will not have access to a large number of markets Of particular concern: Social aspects and dropping link with subject matter of contract Aspects relating to the scope and exemptions Not paying enough attention to importance of good governance A. Constable 11-06-2013

Good advice for municipalities Increase efforts to improve SME access to public procurement Make wider use of published guides to take environmental, social and innovation considerations into account More training for contracting authorities Market engagement A. Constable 11-06-2013

Thank you for your attention! Constable 11-06-2013