Press Release: Public procurement: infringement proceedings against Spain concerning award of contracts for the supply of helicopters

The European Commission decided to send a formal request to Spain concerning the conclusion of two framework agreements with the company Eurocopter for the supply of helicopters respectively to the Ministry of the Interior for national police and "Guardia Civil" and to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for missions of surveillance and support of the national fishing fleet. Based on these framework agreements both Ministries have already awarded two contracts for the supply of helicopters: This formal request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.