The European Commission has identified simplification, digitalisation, “Made in Europe”, and strategic procurement as key pillars for the reform of the EU Public Procurement Directive - showing a clear shift toward a more strategic approach.

Eduardo Cobas, Second Vice-President, and Alexander Frank, Deputy Director General, intervened on behalf of CoESS and stressed that this shift cannot happen if lowest price remains the dominant criterion. In private security, quality jobs and preparedness in public security and civil protection go hand in hand: the people protecting airports, energy infrastructure, public institutions, and major events are part of Europe’s frontline security system. Preparedness depends on their training, working conditions, and ability to stay alert and motivated.

Yet current procurement practices often penalise companies that invest in working conditions, training and innovation - creating a race to the bottom that undermines qualitative jobs, services to citizens and security. CoESS underlined: this is not just a labour issue - it is a preparedness risk for Europe.

CoESS therefore called for procurement reform to be used as a strategic tool: strengthening selection criteria to ensure fair competition, and making it easier and legally safe to award contracts based on quality. Because in the end, procurement shapes the market - and if Europe wants high security standards preparedness, it must start buying it.

CoESS and UNI Europa are strongly engaged in the revision process for the EU Public Procurement Directive and submitted another joint contribution to the recent 2nd stage consultation of the European Commission.