Abstract

In Hungary, almost all communications (with few exceptions) in public procurement proceedings – from the publication of a tender notice, through the submission of tenders to the award of a contract – takes place via the central electronic public procurement system (EPC). Although this system allows for the use of electronic signatures, e-signatures cannot be required during procurement proceedings, and almost all documentation can be sent without them. There are numerous provisions setting out detailed rules for the operation of the contracting authorities, in particular when setting time limits for opening tenders, evaluating electronic tenders, and where the malfunction of the EPC results in a breach of Hungarian law that cannot be remedied in a way that ensures compliance with the rules in question.