From the mobilization of bias to trade wars: the making and implementing of the European Community utilities procurement rules

In: Journal of European public policy, Band 1, Heft 2

Abstract

The utilities sectors in the EC were historically excluded from the scope of both the GATT Codes on Public Procurement and the EC public procurement rules which came into force in the 1970s. So it is not surprising that the decision to incorporate these major industrial sectors into the Single Market rules has been politically contentious. The resulting conflict has produced utilities procurement rules which are far less onerous than those for the public sector. Explains why this is the case. (Original abstract-amended)