EU procurement thresholds determine which rules apply to a contract. Above threshold: full Directive 2014/24/EU procedures (TED publication, minimum deadlines, standstill). Below threshold: lighter national rules, but Treaty principles (transparency, non-discrimination) still apply.
Current thresholds (2024-2025)
| Contract type | Central government | Sub-central & others |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies | 143,000 EUR | 221,000 EUR |
| Services | 143,000 EUR | 221,000 EUR |
| Works | 5,538,000 EUR | 5,538,000 EUR |
| Social & other specific services | 750,000 EUR | 750,000 EUR |
Utilities sector (water, energy, transport, postal): 443,000 EUR for supplies/services, 5,538,000 EUR for works.
Concessions: 5,538,000 EUR regardless of sector.
All values are net of VAT.
How they work
The contracting authority estimates the total contract value before publication. If that estimate meets or exceeds the relevant threshold, full EU procedures apply. The estimate must be genuine — artificially splitting a contract to stay below threshold is prohibited (Article 5(3)).
How thresholds are calculated
For framework agreements and DPS, the threshold applies to the maximum estimated value of all contracts planned over the full duration.
For lots, the threshold applies to the aggregated value of all lots. However, authorities may exempt individual lots below 80,000 EUR (services) or 1,000,000 EUR (works), provided exempted lots don't exceed 20% of total contract value.
When thresholds change
The European Commission revises thresholds every two years to align with the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) exchange rates. The current values took effect on 1 January 2024. The next revision is expected for 1 January 2026.
Below threshold is not a free pass
Contracts below EU thresholds still require:
- Transparency proportionate to the contract's cross-border interest
- Non-discrimination against bidders from other Member States
- National publication on domestic portals (rules vary by country)
Many Member States set their own sub-thresholds for national procedures. Belgium, for example, requires a negotiated procedure with prior publication for contracts above 143,000 EUR even when below certain EU thresholds.