When was the EU Procurement Directive officially adopted?

The EU Procurement Directive, officially known as Directive 2014/24/EU, was adopted on February 26, 2014. This directive aimed to improve the regulatory framework for public procurement across the European Union, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the procurement processes. The adoption of this directive marked a significant update to the existing procurement laws that were in place, reflecting the need for member states to modernize their procurement regulations to better serve public interests and promote innovation.

The focus of this directive is on simplifying the procurement process, allowing for greater participation from SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and ensuring that public contracting entities adhere to principles that support sustainable and social criteria in their purchasing decisions. The timeline of the directive’s adoption highlights its role in shaping public sector procurement standards that are compliant with contemporary economic and social goals in the EU.

The other years mentioned—2010, 2012, and 2016—do not correspond to the official adoption date, thus clarifying why 2014 is the correct answer.