Information from European Commission ( http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm )
Public Procurement
Public procurement is the process whereby public authorities – including all levels of government and public agencies – buy goods and services or commission work. These contracts make up a significant share of the EU market, accounting for about 16% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
EU-wide public procurement
Companies based in one EU country can bid freely for public authority's contracts in other EU countries. Authorities throughout the EU used harmonised, transparent procedures for selecting contractors. The Small Business Act for Europe is further promoting measures that make it easier for smaller businesses to bid for public contracts on an equal basis with larger competitors.