Reforming procurement for crisis

Annamaria La Chimia

Chapter 16 in Reforming EU Public Procurement, 2026, pp 233-251 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Building on the experiences of COVID-19, this chapter critiques Directive 2014/24/EU, highlighting the problems with the absence of a specific crisis framework. It emphasises that the Directive's focus on immediate response results in neglect of pre- and post-crisis phases while safeguards for equality, gender, and human rights concerns remain insufficient. The chapter suggests that narrow definitions of urgency risk compromising the adequacy of the procurement responses and that fast-track options—such as negotiated procedures without publication—offer speed but prove inadequate during reconstruction. A stronger, EU-wide framework is recommended to prevent member states from competing over scarce resources. Proposed reforms include simpler, more flexible procurement rules with built-in safeguards, mandatory impact assessments, and standardised reporting that includes gender-disaggregated data. Additional training for procurement officials, along with a European supplier rating system, would support reliable sourcing while adherence to the principle of solidarity as a core principle of EU procurement law would enhance collaboration between contracting authorities.

Keywords: EU public procurement law; Directive 2014/24/EU; Crisis procurement; Fast-track procedures; Equality impact assessment; Transparency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035368266
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