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

2 BUSINESSEUROPE BUSINESSEUROPE’s public procurement work Advice to municipalities in their public procurement work Outline presentation A. Constable

3 What is BUSINESSEUROPE? 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 MissionPurpose Pillars Representative of more than 20 million small, medium and large companies A Social Partner Actively promote and represent business in Europe Advocate a favorable and competitive business environment to foster sustainable economic growth A. Constable

Members and structure 4 A.Constable

5 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 A.Constable

6 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

7 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

8 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

9 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

10 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 Thank you for your attention! A.Constable