Abstract

The subject of this judgement is the correct application of European rules governing the award of in-house contracts. This is an important economic issue and the provisions of Directive 2014/24 give relative freedom to national legislators in this respect. However, simply stating that the provisions of the directive do not apply to in-house contracts does not automatically make the national rules compatible with Community law. The general standards applicable to all public procurement contracts are of major importance here. This implies, in particular, an obligation to ensure fair competition for private businesses. Clear and transparent rules for the award of in-house contracts should be established in national law, allowing the addressees of the standards to assess the correctness of their decisions.