This timely book examines the ever-increasing prevalence of Central Purchasing Bodies (CPBs), analysing their use and structure across different EU Member States. It argues that since CPBs are only partially regulated at EU level, their operations will depend on the legislation of the individual Member States and more importantly on the States' distinct practices and traditions. Comparative contributions consider the legal nature and structures of CPBs across 12 Member States and the UK. Through comprehensive comparative analysis, this book investigates competition law and SMEs, economic and management perspectives, and centralised public purchasing during the COVID-19 pandemic within the sphere of CPBs and joint procurement. Chapters explore the use of procurement techniques and electronic instruments by CPBs and the liability and remedies perspectives of CPBs and their users. Providing a complete overview of CPBs structure in different Member States and the aspects of joint procurements, Centralising Public Procurement will be of interest to students and scholars of European and commercial law. It also offers important insights for CPBs themselves, practitioners and policy-makers, as well as contracting authorities using CPBs in the different Member States.

This topical book offers an in-depth analysis of the recent implementation of the Public Procurement Directive, based on the experiences of 12 Member States including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom. The contributions from first-class public procurement law experts offer an informed and comparative analysis of the recent implementation of the Public Procurement Directive, as well as focussing on so-called gold-plating (overimplementation) and issues where the legality of the implemented legislation is questionable. Vitally, the chapters also consider national preparatory works as a legal source and their interesting role in the implementation of the Directive including its Preamble. Attention is also given to the implementation of some of the most important novelties in the Directive such as the exclusion grounds, the competitive procedure with negotiation and contract changes. Modernising Public Procurement will be important reading for practitioners and civil servants involved in the implementation of public procurement law. Academics, researchers, politicians, judges and members of complaints boards in the field of public procurement law will also find this book a stimulating read. Contributors include: R. Agren, P. Bogdanowicz, M. Burgi, R. Caranta, M. Comba, D. Dragos, P. Ferk, K. Harginen, F. Lichere, B. Neamtu, S. Richetto, A. Sanchez Graells, M.A. Simovart, A. Sundstrand, S. Treumer, P. Valcarcel Fernandez, D. Wolff