Public procurement thresholds in the European Union set the contract values above which contracting authorities must follow the full EU public procurement procedures and publish notices in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU/TED). These thresholds are reviewed and updated every two years by the European Commission to reflect economic changes and international commitments, such as the World Trade Organisation’s Government Procurement Agreement. New threshold values came into force on 1st of January 2026.
Why Thresholds Matter
When a public contract’s estimated value (excluding VAT) exceeds the EU threshold:
- The procurement must be advertised EU-wide in the Official Journal of the EU (TED).
- Contracting authorities must apply the procedures and transparency requirements set out in the EU Public Procurement Directives (Directives 2014/24/EU, 2014/25/EU and 2014/23/EU).
Contracts below these values are typically governed by national rules, although general EU law principles on transparency and non-discrimination still apply.
Current EU Procurement Thresholds (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027)
The updated thresholds (exclusive of VAT) that apply from 1 January 2026 are as follows:
1. Classical Public Procurement (Directive 2014/24/EU)
- Works contracts (all authorities): €5,404,000
- Supplies & services – central government: €140,000
- Supplies & services – sub-central authorities (and most bodies): €216,000
- Social & other specific services (light touch regime): €750,000
2. Utilities Sector (Directive 2014/25/EU)
- Works contracts: €5,404,000
- Supplies & services (excluding light touch): €432,000
- Social & specific services (light touch): €1,000,000
3. Concessions (Directive 2014/23/EU)
- Works & service concessions: €5,404,000
4. Defence & Security (Directive 2009/81/EC)
- Works: €5,404,000
- Supplies & services: €432,000
These figures replace the previous thresholds that were valid for 2024–2025.
Interaction with Irish National Thresholds
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in Ireland publishes national thresholds for advertising and tendering that operate below the EU thresholds and apply to Irish contracting authorities. Under current Irish practice:
- Goods & services contracts ≥ €50,000 (excl. VAT) must be advertised on the national portal eTenders.
- Works contracts ≥ €200,000 (excl. VAT) should be advertised formally on eTenders.
These national thresholds help ensure competition and SME participation domestically but are separate from the EU thresholds above which EU procurement procedures must be followed.
Sources:
European Commission – EU public procurement thresholds (legal rules and implementation) https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/public-procurement/legal-rules-and-implementation/thresholds_en
Office of Government Procurement (Ireland) – Thresholds and national thresholds update. https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-government-procurement/publications/thresholds/
Revised thresholds applicable from 1 January 2026 (summary) https://cwmf.gov.ie/en/news/revised-eu-procurement-thresholds-applicable-from-1-january-2026
