The International Security Ligue recently submitted a statement in support of the revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive 2014/24 as part of its “call for evidence” consultation. The Ligue’s statement and its companion research study stresses the need for criteria in public contracts to prioritize quality, which the existing directive fails to ensure, and advocates for targeted revisions for essential service sectors, such as security services.

It is crucial to maintain a high standard of integrity and transparency in all public tenders to prevent corruption, ensure quality, and manage taxpayer money responsibly. However, in the realm of security services, the stakes are even higher. Any negative consequences or contract failures in this sector can pose significant risks to public safety.

Without legal certainty for buyers to award and enforce quality, the current directive encourages a race to the bottom, endangering societal security.