European Union: Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of EU public procurement rules through the EU Public Procurement Act, consolidating three existing directives into a single framework. This reform introduces the principle of "best quality for money," strengthens strategic procurement requirements including green and social considerations, and establishes new digital infrastructure for cross-border procurement data sharing.

Enemalta plc has launched a €30 million restricted procurement procedure for the manufacture and laying of two 33kV three-core submarine power cables with embedded fibre-optic cable between Malta and Gozo. The two-stage process requires interested economic operators to meet strict financial and technical requirements, including minimum turnover thresholds and demonstrated experience in submarine cable manufacture and installation.

The Maltese Government has issued a tender for consultancy services to develop a Master Plan for potential land reclamation at Bengħajsa in southern Malta. This procurement may represent the preliminary phase of a major infrastructure project that could expand port capacity, create industrial zones, and accommodate energy infrastructure, with implications for international marine engineering contractors and infrastructure developers.

The European Commission has authorized EUR 400 million in German State aid to Sanofi to secure insulin supply within the EEA, marking a significant development in European pharmaceutical policy.

Sweden has adopted its first national strategy for supply preparedness, establishing three overarching goals and 19 priority measures to ensure the flow of critical goods and services during crises. The strategy emphasizes the central role of private sector collaboration with public authorities, particularly through procurement processes and continuity planning for companies operating critical infrastructure.

The Council of State has ruled that municipalities must promptly launch competitive tenders for beach concessions, clarifying that the September 2027 deadline is a maximum limit for transition rather than an automatic...

Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta (“RAM”) has launched a pre-qualification process for the award of a major concession concerning the development and operation of a National Farm Waste Treatment Facility.

The Water Services Corporation has issued a major tender for the design, construction and commissioning of a new reverse osmosis desalination plant in Pembroke, Malta, with a nominal capacity of 11,200 m³ per day. The procurement follows EU Directive 2014/25/EU procedures and requires the existing plant to remain operational throughout the project's 100-week completion period. Economic operators must navigate extensive technical requirements covering reverse-osmosis systems, electrical infrastructure,

President Trump's August 2026 memorandum authorizes foreign shipbuilders to construct critical naval vessels under the "Finland Model," requiring them to establish US facilities and train American workers. The directive aims to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity while addressing immediate fleet readiness needs through strategic partnerships with allied nations. This policy shift could fundamentally reshape Navy acquisition programs and the competitive landscape for defense contractors.