Together with colleagues from FoodServiceEurope and EFCI, CoESS Eduardo Cobas and Alexander Frank highlighted that, according to available data, public contracts in Europe are still predominantly awarded based on the lowest bid, too often neglecting quality criteria.

Despite the Directives original intent to promote a best-value-for-public-money approach, it still allows for abnormally low tenders, provides room to ignore collective agreements, and creates legal uncertainty for buyers regarding the use of quality awarding criteria.

Instead of driving qualitative working conditions, social cohesion, and strategic objectives of the EU, these practices not only undermine the value of essential services and workers but, in our sector, also pose a public security risk.

In light of recent calls from the EU Council and Parliament to review the legislative framework, CoESS appreciated the opportunity to engage with the European Commission and eagerly anticipates action in its next Work Programme!

Check out our EU elections manifesto to learn more about CoESS recommendations for the next EU legislative term at www.coess.eu.