The European Commission has decided
to refer Greece to the Court of Justice because it has failed to ensure
full compliance with EU rules on public procurement as regards the
purchase of an information system for the Social Security Foundation
(IKA). In particular, Greece has failed to fulfil its commitment, made
under Directive 2004/18/EC in February 2012, to launch a new tendering
procedure for the award of the above contract, without the illegal
clauses included in the original call for tender.
EU rules are designed to ensure
fair and transparent competition for public contracts in Europe, thereby
creating opportunities for European companies while ensuring the best
value for public money. If the rules are not respected, there is a risk
not only of less competition but also of inefficient expenditure of
public money. The Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Greece in
October 2011 asking it to comply with EU law (see IP/11/1263).
As the final reply of the Greek authorities was not satisfactory, the
Commission has decided to refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
In their initial reply to the
Commission's October 2011 reasoned opinion, the Greek authorities
undertook a commitment to launch a new tendering exercise without the
aforementioned illegal clauses. However, the new call for tender was not
launched; instead, the Greek authorities informed the Commission that
they had decided to extend the current contract.
More information
Public procurement:
Latest information on infringement proceedings concerning all Member States:
For more information on this month's infringement decisions see MEMO/12/876, and on g
