European Commission proposes digital transformation of public procurement

On September 9, 2026, the European Commission proposed new rules to modernize public procurement across the European Union by establishing a unified 'Digital Marketplace.' This platform aims to connect national and local electronic systems, facilitating cross-border participation for businesses. Key to this initiative is the 'once-only' principle, which allows companies to submit essential documentation and credentials a single time for all EU-wide tenders. By automating eligibility checks, the Commission expects to reduce bureaucracy, increase competition, and improve the efficiency of public procurement processes.

Public procurement accounts for approximately 15% of the EU's GDP, equivalent to roughly 2.5 trillion euros (2.91 trillion dollars) as of 2025. These measures follow strategic warnings from former ECB President Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta regarding the underutilization of public contracts. Beyond simplification, the proposal introduces provisions allowing member states to exclude tenders based on criteria related to European content. This policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Single Market, enhance supply chain resilience, and prevent industrial decline in the face of intense global competition.