The Review assessing the implementation of the rules on public procurement in the EU has been published by the European Commission. Purchases by public authorities and utility companies, when they are of a cross-border nature, fall within the scope of EU law and account for nearly 20% of EU GDP.

The correct, efficient and effective application of EU public procurement rules across the Union remains a constant challenge, according to the first Annual Public Procurement Implementation Review. The European Commission published this review highlighting that collecting, analysing and reporting on the data regarding the application of procurement rules by Member States is essential to better understanding problems and addressing concerns. In June 2011, the European Commission opened a consultation on access to EU's public procurement markets.

The outcome of the report shows that there is a lot of important and useful information available with regard to the situation on the EU public procurement market, and therefore untapped potential for more in-depth and better analysis. The Commission also stressed that feedback from Member States shows, however, significant discrepancies in terms of availability of information on various aspects of procurement, its depth and comprehensiveness. This in turn influences the manner in which such information can be used and possible conclusions drawn on the basis of it.

The Review is structured in three chapters the first one gives an idea of the economic significance of the European public procurement market. The second chapter presents an overview of national structures for applying procurement law and of the situation with e-procurement and central purchasing systems. The third chapter addresses the implementation of EU law: infringements at EU and national levels and the experience acquired from managing EU funds from the procurement angle.