In a move to combat issues related to competition manipulation and corrupt practices in public procurement, Greece's Independent Public Procurement Authority (ΕΑΔΗΣΥ) has issued guidelines aiming to reduce the reliance on direct assignations and negotiated contracts without public announcements. These practices have been increasingly utilized by certain awarding authorities, exploiting the flexibility allowed by both national and EU laws. The guidelines serve as a reminder to thousands of contracting authorities about the restrictive use of phrases that justify unfair practices under the guise of lawful exceptions.

The authority points out that existing laws concerning public sector companies often include provisions that permit management to establish regulations that can bypass certain stipulations of Law 4412/2016. This opens a door for potential misuse, leading to increased scrutiny on how these regulations are formulated and enforced. By emphasizing stricter compliance with the rules, ΕΑΔΗΣΥ hopes to foster a more transparent and competitive bidding environment.

The implications of these reforms are significant, as they seek not just to streamline procurement processes but also to enhance accountability among public authorities. If successful, this initiative could lead to fewer irregular practices, ensuring that public funds are utilized more effectively and that procurement opportunities are opened up to a wider range of suppliers, thereby promoting fair competition in the public sector.