Use of regional food in local community facilities: compliance with EU procurement directives

27.2.2017

Question for written answer E-001248-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Angelika Niebler (PPE)

EU regional policy encourages more use of regional produce in local facilities with mass catering. However, once certain thresholds have been exceeded and calls for tender have to therefore be published EU wide, the Public Procurement Directives forbid preference to regional produce, which constitutes a breach of the competition and transparency principles and non-discrimination law.

This is made clear, for example, in the Commission interpretative communication on the Community law applicable to contract awards not or not fully subject to the provisions of the Public Procurement Directives (OJ 2006, C 179, p. 2).

Nevertheless, efforts continue to be made in Member States to promote the sale of regional produce.

1. Does the Commission agree that the procurement directives do not forbid the use of regional products and services?

2. Does the Commission intend to issue an interpretative guide via a communication to resolve the discrepancy between regional policy requirements and competition law?

3. How, in calls for tender, can greater consideration be given to providers’ proximity without breaching EU legislation?