Ana Luísa Guimarães analyses the revision of public procurement thresholds | Jornal de Negócios

Ana Luísa Guimarães highlights:
“Public procurement is, above all, an instrument and, as such, not an end in itself.”

The recent update to public procurement thresholds approved by the Government is viewed as broadly positive by experts, as it better reflects the current economic reality and allows for greater administrative flexibility. However, the measure has also raised concerns, particularly regarding its timing, at a moment when a profound review of EU public procurement directives is underway.

In her analysis, Ana Luísa Guimarães emphasises that public procurement should be regarded as an instrument serving concrete objectives and should evolve and adapt to the needs it seeks to address. While acknowledging that expanding the use of direct awards carries risks — notably reduced competition and potentially less efficient purchasing decisions — she notes that practical experience shows the automatic link between competition and better outcomes does not always hold true.

With regard to the waiver of prior approval by the Court of Auditors for contracts below €10 million, Ana Luísa Guimarães argues in favour of reinforcing ex‑post control, accompanied by greater accountability of public officials. Under this model, easing prior control represents a vote of confidence, but also increases the exposure of decision‑makers to financial liability, thereby strengthening the requirement for rigour and accountability in the management of public affairs.

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