Public Procurement in Healthcare Systems

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2022
• Author: Michael Jürgen Werner

Speaker

Michael Jürgen Werner is a senior partner in the Antitrust and Competition practice of Norton Rose Fulbright. He joined Norton Rose Fulbright in 2001 as partner, having been a resident partner in a major German law firm in Brussels since 1995. A German-qualified lawyer by background, he is a member of the German, English and Belgian bar. With almost 30 years of experience, he is a leading advisor and a lecturer at a major international University on competition, state aid, and public procurement law. Furthermore, he is a regular speaker at international conferences on competition and regulatory topics, public procurement and state aid issues.

Topic

This e-presentation provides a detailed examination of the European Union (EU) legal framework governing public procurement within healthcare systems. It aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how this framework has been effectively utilized in the procurement procedures specifically related to vaccines during the ongoing pandemic.

The presentation begins by outlining the fundamental principles and regulations underpinning public procurement in the EU. It sheds light on the key directives, such as Directive 2014/24/EU and Directive 2014/25/EU, which serve as the cornerstone of the legal framework. These directives establish the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and competition that should govern the procurement process in healthcare systems.

Moving forward, the e-presentation explores the specific application of the EU legal framework to procurement procedures during the pandemic, with a particular focus on vaccines. It delves into the challenges faced by member states in securing an adequate vaccine supply and the measures adopted to streamline the procurement process. This section highlights the importance of ensuring fair and efficient distribution of vaccines while maintaining compliance with EU procurement rules.

While examining the application of the EU legal framework, the presentation also addresses the challenges and loopholes encountered in the procurement process. It acknowledges that during times of crisis, such as the pandemic, there may be urgent needs for...