Piața de 2.000 de miliarde: cine câștigă achizițiile publice după noul regulament european? (Op-ed)

On September 9, 2026, the European Commission proposed a Regulation on public procurement and concessions, aiming to replace existing directives and national rules. This regulation is crucial for Romanian SMEs, as public procurement represents about 15% of the EU's GDP. The proposal introduces direct applicability across member states, reducing barriers for SMEs, such as limiting turnover requirements and eliminating the need for prior public contract experience. However, concerns remain regarding payment timelines, guarantees, and the potential for exceptions to become the norm. The regulation will take effect two years post-adoption, necessitating significant interconnectivity between national databases and the European eligibility service by mid-2029. The Romanian government must actively engage in the negotiation process to ensure favorable conditions for SMEs in public procurement.