New regulations and thresholds that affect how tenders are published and awarded across the European Union. What businesses need to know.
Updated Thresholds for 2025-2026
The European Commission has updated the financial thresholds that determine when public contracts must be advertised EU-wide through TED (Tenders Electronic Daily).
Key Threshold Changes
The new thresholds effective from January 2025 are:
- Supply and Service Contracts (Central Government): EUR 143,000
- Supply and Service Contracts (Other): EUR 221,000
- Works Contracts: EUR 5,538,000
- Social and Other Specific Services: EUR 750,000
Digital Procurement Mandate
All EU member states must now accept electronic submissions for all above-threshold procurements. This means e-signatures, electronic document exchange, and online submission portals are mandatory.
Green Procurement Requirements
New environmental criteria have been introduced. For certain categories (vehicles, construction, IT equipment), contracting authorities must include environmental performance criteria. This creates opportunities for companies with strong sustainability credentials.
Impact on Non-EU Bidders
Companies from countries with trade agreements (including Turkey's Customs Union) continue to have access to EU procurement. However, new reciprocity provisions may restrict access from countries that do not offer similar access to their own procurement markets.