The Public Contracts Code (CCP) has recently undergone substantial amendments, aimed at simplifying and promoting efficiency in public procurement.

Among the main changes, the following stand out:

• The integration of digital systems and artificial intelligence tools into the planning, preparation, and conduct of procurement procedures, as well as into the execution of public contracts.
• The raising of the thresholds for adopting direct award procedures to EUR 150,000 (works) and EUR 75,000 (goods, services and other contracts), as well as the thresholds for prior consultation procedures to EUR 1,000,000 (works) and EUR 130,000 (goods, services and other contracts). For concessions lasting less than one year, direct award or prior consultation is allowed up to EUR 1,000,000.
• The creation of a new special prior consultation procedure, where the contracting authority invites at least five entities to submit proposals for contracts with values below European thresholds and below EUR 2,000,000, in areas such as European funds, public housing, digital transformation, and health.
• The introduction of the concept of “estimated contract value”, replacing the concept of “contract value”, with new specific calculation rules.
• The establishment of a flexible public tender procedure regime, applicable to contracts whose estimated value is below European thresholds.
• The possibility of using a simplified direct award procedure in situations of state of siege, emergency, or calamity, for contracts up to EUR 500,000 (works) and EUR 100,000 (goods and services).
• The transformation of the arbitration and alternative dispute resolution regime into a fully voluntary one, with the reintroduction of the possibility of requesting the establishment of a technical conciliation committee.

The diploma enters into force on 1 October 2026, and the amendments apply to procedures initiated and contracts concluded after that date. The rules on objective contract modification and alternative resolution of pre-contractual and contractual disputes are excepted, as they also apply to ongoing procedures and contracts under execution.

Click here to access the diploma.

For more information, please contact us via email at jlp@ccsllegal.com

[Photograph by Signature Pro, available at unsplash.com]