The study analyses the legal and operational environment in which LRAs conduct procurement activities. Centred on the 2014 Public Procurement Directives (PPDs) but extending to around 50 sectoral regulations, the framework imposes a wide range of additional obligations, particularly in regulated sectors such as energy, health, construction, and transport. Rather than advocating for a complete overhaul, the study identifies targeted improvements that could enhance efficiency and effectiveness, while also considering possible future scenarios for the evolution of procurement policy.

In fact, the greatest challenges for LRAs arise not from the core PPDs themselves, but from the complexity and fragmentation of the wider regulatory framework. National differences in transposing EU rules often create inconsistencies, complicating the application of procurement rules and increasing administrative burdens. This makes it more difficult for LRAs to navigate procedures and fully exploit public procurement as a strategic policy tool.

By mapping the rules most relevant to LRAs and assessing their practical impact, the study equips the Committee of the Regions with evidence and analysis to feed into the policy debate with the European Commission in the context of the upcoming evaluation and potential revision of the Public Procurement Directives. Its recommendations aim to streamline the framework, promote greater harmonisation, and improve the usability of procurement rules, ensuring they better support local and regional authorities in meeting both operational needs and wider EU policy objectives.

The study was led by t33 in consortium with Spatial Foresight, and is available here.