PUBLIC PROCUREMENT : COMMISSION LAUNCHES INFRINGEMENT PROCEEDINGS.

The European Commission, on 13 December, announced that is was to open a series of infringement proceedings for breaches of EU public procurement law.

Spain: The Commission has decided to send Spain a reasoned opinion for the use of discriminatory technical specifications for the purchase or lease of computer equipment, and infringement of Directive 93/36/EEC, and another aimed at the company INGRA S.A. (Infraestructuras y Equipamientos de Granada) for awarding a public works contracts for the construction of a vegetable waste processing plant in Motril, an infringement of Council Directive 93/37/EEC on public works.

Greece:aThe Commission has decided to refer Greece to the EU Court of Justice over the tendering procedure for the award of a public service contract launched by ERGA OSE concerning the railway project Phase A studies for building and electromechanical works and facilities for the Thriasio Field Station Complex'. It has also been referred to the Court over the procedure launched by the Public Power Corporation (DEI) for the design, commissioning, transportation, installation and operation of two similar steam electric stations and their ancillary equipment for the steam electric station in Atherinolakkos, Crete, infringing Directive 93/38/EEC ( special sectors').

Austria: The Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Austria for awarding a contract for the supply, adaptation and maintenance of a software application. The contracting authority, a social security institution, concluded the...