The relationship between public procurement and State aid control rules had been controversial for a long time. Whereas the award of a public contract amounted to the grant of State aid in the past – as long as being in compliance with the EU public procurement rules -, this blunt exclusion of State aid control in the field of public procurement was re-examined in connection with the 2014 EU Public Procurement Directives and the State Aid Modernisation Initiative (SAM). However, the question remains whether the present rules of EU competition law do lead to a constructive competition or whether internal inconsistencies in areas of EU economic law may still require enhanced convergence.
Our intensive workshop focusses on the interplay of State aid and public procurement rules including the new public procurement and concessions directives. The main focus will be on the sector research, development and innovation (R&D&I) and on Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI). The workshop will provide you with a solid understanding of applicable rules – illustrated by a range of best-practice examples and various case studies.
Michael Bowsher QC will be chairing this event.
For Further information and to book a place please click here.