Bidding on EU Tenders
EU-wide tenders provide access to the largest public contracts. Above EU thresholds, authorities must advertise procurement EU-wide.
EU Procurement Law
Based on EU Directives (2014/24/EU, 2014/25/EU, 2014/23/EU), implemented nationally through GWB, VgV, and VOB/A Section 2.
TED – Tenders Electronic Daily
The official EU platform at ted.europa.eu publishes over 700,000 notices annually in all EU languages. Since October 2023, the new eForms standard applies. Use Patterno HIT instead of manual TED searches.
The ESPD
The European Single Procurement Document is mandatory for EU tenders. It replaces individual evidence initially – only the preferred bidder must submit full documentation.
Procedure Types
- Open procedure (most common)
- Restricted procedure (with participation competition)
- Negotiated procedure
- Competitive dialogue (complex contracts)
- Innovation partnership
Deadlines
Minimum 30 days for open procedures, 30+25 days for restricted procedures.
Legal Protection
Comprehensive remedies: objection to authority, review before procurement chamber, appeal to higher court, and standstill period preventing premature award.