Press Release: Public procurement: Commission assesses the use of electronic procurement in Europe

The European Commission launched an on-line survey to find out more about the actual experience of businesses and public purchasers with electronic public procurement ('e-procurement'). This will provide essential information for an evaluation which is taking place on the effective up-take of e-procurement across the EU. In particular the evaluation will assess how well the objectives of the 'Action Plan for the implementation of the legal framework for electronic public procurement', adopted by the Commission in December 2004, have been achieved. Public procurement is a key sector of the EU economy accounting for about 16% of GDP. Modernising and opening up procurement markets across borders – including through the expansion of e-procurement – is crucial to Europe's competitiveness and for creating new opportunities for EU businesses. The deadline for responses is 18 December 2008.