European Commission to Launch Database to Help EU Companies Secure Contracts

The European Commission will soon introduce the “world’s first comprehensive database” of procurement data and barriers to international trade and procurement, the commission said Nov. 13. The database will provide “detailed data” on government contracts and trade barriers faced by European Union companies, and aims to improve EU companies’ access to public procurement contracts in non-EU countries. The database covers nine “key EU trading partners,” the commission said: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States.

The commission said EU companies have a “great opportunity” to apply for government contracts outside the EU but said they often face barriers, including “discrimination and a lack of transparency.” The database will give the EU a “competitive advantage” and strengthen its position in trade negotiations, the commission said.