EU reviews its Procurement Directives’ Rulebook
A reality check on what the EU’s procurement framework looks like from the inside.
From public authorities to small businesses, those operating within the EU procurement landscape have the deepest understanding of how the system works in practice and hold the most informed perspective on its performance.
In May 2025, the European Commission turned to over 700 stakeholders across Europe to ask a simple but vital question: how well are the procurement directives actually working?
The public consultation offers a valuable window into how the rules are experienced on the ground, revealing practical realities that often go unspoken in policy discussions. It captures the tension between ambition and execution that still defines much of public procurement today.
For public procurement professionals, this isn’t just theoretical. These rules shape how tenders are run, how suppliers are selected, and ultimately, how value is delivered to the public. And right now, many feel that the framework is out of tune with real-world needs.
Simplicity and flexibility still feel out of reach
The European procurement directives were created to support strategic goals like fairness, transparency, and value. For many professionals working with them, the focus is on keeping the process moving. That means making sure tenders are prepared properly, submitted on time, and completed according to the rules. It’s about managing each step carefully so things stay on track and deliver what is needed.
But while the goals are clear, the experience on the ground can still be challenging. Nearly half of the respondents said the current rules haven’t made the system more flexible. Even more (54%) felt the process is no simpler than before. Despite years of updates, red tape is still part of daily routines.
Even so, things are moving in the right direction. 62% said transparency has improved. Tenders are easier to track, and the process feels more visible from beginning to end.
Procurement wants green innovation
One of the core ambitions of the EU’s procurement reform has been to shift public spending toward greener, more socially responsible, and innovative outcomes.
Just over half (56%) of public authorities say the rules help promote environmentally friendly purchasing and support better choices, as 55% think they support social goals.
But if you ask the suppliers, the message shifts. Many say the rules have little real impact on how they operate. For them, the directives don’t push harder standards, encourage innovation, or reward social value, they just add another layer of requirements.
The European Commission itself flagged that 40% of public authorities answered “don’t know” when asked about the impact of the rules on innovation, an unusually high number that suggests confusion, or perhaps a disconnect between policy language and operational clarity.
SME participation and single bidding
Perhaps one of the clearest signs that processes can be improved is how contracts are awarded. 49% of respondents believe that public tenders are too frequently decided based on price alone. Only 37% see this as a sign of weak procurement practices. Most point instead to deeper issues, such as limited supplier availability or market conditions that simply don’t support healthy competition.
And when it comes to competition, the picture isn’t improving much. About a third of respondents think there just isn’t enough of it, but it’s unclear if the situation is improving or not. What worries many suppliers is that the system continues to prioritise the lowest price over everything else. This concern is especially strong among businesses and trade groups, who feel that other factors, like sustainability, delivery quality, or social value, are being pushed aside.
Another issue is the lack of bidders. 29% of stakeholders say the frequency of single-bidder tenders is too high. For many, this raises red flags. Whether it’s due to market size, how tenders are designed, or how opportunities are shared, the result is the same: limited options, little pressure to compete, and no guarantee that the best offer is being chosen.
29% of respondents say tenders with only one bidder are happening too often.
Digital tools ease procurement
Digital tools are starting to make a real difference. There’s less admin to deal with, and things are moving a bit faster. Among public buyers, 42% say digitalisation has reduced their administrative burden, and 34% say it’s helped speed things up.
More importantly, it’s helping buyers stay on track. When everything is done in one place, from planning, submission, awarding, contract follow-up and supplier relationship management, it’s easier to stay compliant and consistent. Digital tools create a clear path, which makes it easier to follow the rules, keep records, and stay transparent at every stage.
It also brings structure to daily work. When processes are standardised, teams don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. That saves time and frustration.
And while buyers are feeling the impact, suppliers are seeing the biggest difference, according to the EU consultation results. 57% of suppliers say digitalisation has helped cut down their paperwork, and over half say it’s speeding up the process.
Digitalisation delivers for suppliers: 57% see paperwork drop, over half see speed gains.
Conclusion
The EU’s procurement rulebook was built to serve big goals, like fairness, transparency, competition, and innovation. But this consultation shows what happens when rules meet reality. For many professionals, the system still feels too rigid, too slow, and too complicated. Simplicity and flexibility remain out of reach, and strategic ambitions like green innovation and supplier diversity often get lost in the process.
At the same time, the feedback isn’t all negative. Digitalisation is making daily work easier. Transparency has improved. And there’s a shared sense that with the right updates, the framework could deliver on its promises.
But real improvement comes from listening to the people doing the work, those drafting tenders, managing timelines, comparing bids, and keeping contracts running. Their message is clear: make the system easier to use, more practical in the day-to-day, and better aligned with the outcomes that matter most.