Public procurement

EU rules on public procurement aim to increase efficiency in public spending (boosting competition, reducing prices and improving services for the user). However, the ETUC does not believe in an exclusively economic approach to public procurement. Public authorities have a responsibility to use public money to promote cohesive social and economic development, good quality employment and quality services and products.

The ETUC has actively contributed to the adoption of modernised rules for public procurement, pressing for a more socially orientated framework. The new Public Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU introduced some positive developments – among them a binding social clause. This gives unions a stronger platform for pressing key demands such as respect for collective bargaining agreements, social criteria and greater transparency.

01.10.2024 Press release

EU must end ‘race to the bottom’ contracts

The European Union must stop fuelling a race to the bottom in pay and working conditions by making public contracts dependent on respect for workers’ rights.Thousands of essential workers are mobilising in Brussels for a Uni Europa demonstration for a progressive reform of the EU public procurement directives. Public procurement, or the contracting of private firms by public authorities to deliver goods and services, amounts to two trillion Euros - around 14% of the EU’s GDP.Lowest cost
30.06.2023 Press release

EU gives €1 billion to firms shamed over workers' rights violations

*We have updated this article, removing mention of Sanef, in light of the ETUC becoming aware of a 16 February ruling 2023.
10.12.2021 Press release

Social Economy Action Plan modest but useful

The European Commission’s Action Plan to boost the social economy to be an useful initiative for a under-appreciated and often-neglected sector says the ETUC. Liina Carr, ETUC Confederal Secretary said “The social economy accounts for 10% of the EU’s GDP and includes many cooperatives, mutuals, associations, foundations, not for profit organisations as well as enterprises.
08.10.2014 Publication

New EU framework on public procurement - ETUC key points for the transposition of Directive 2014/24/eu

The new public procurement Directive introduces some positive developments from the trade union perspective – among them a binding social clause. This gives unions a stronger platform for pressing key demands such as respect for collective bargaining agreements, social criteria and greater transparency. We therefore look at the results with some satisfaction. However, much will depend on the way the Directive is transposed into national legislation.
15.01.2014 Press release

ETUC welcomes binding social clause in public procurement

Brussels, 15/01/2014 The introduction of a mandatory social clause guaranteeing the respect for labour law and collective agreements in the workplace is an important improvement to the European rules on public procurement. “The revised directive on public procurement will allow public authorities to make sustainable choices and make sure that workers’ rights are upheld”, said Veronica Nilsson, ETUC Confederal Secretary.