Public purchasing in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 has affected all countries worldwide including the European Union and its Member States. The impact of the pandemic is huge where the death toll is higher and the intensive care units are sparser. With the rise of the contagion, the healthcare sector across Europe has struggled with its healthcare supplies. This is when public purchasing plays a vital in combating the struggles that arise from the pandemic. The unprecedented demand for healthcare supplies is not only faced by the EU and its Member States but also throughout the world. The EU has been put to test in its roles of cooperation in the pandemic response of its Member States. It is at this juncture that the EU roles and the Member States’ roles somehow conflicted as some Member States tackle the pandemic through its national preference and political legitimacy. The Chapter will discuss the existing legislation and governance mechanism in the EU and its Member States, the response of the EU and its Member States, the adoption of EU guidance of public procurement relating to the pandemic and its Member States’ response, the assistance and cooperation between Member States’ and lastly on the joint procurement and centralisation effort on vaccine procurement in the EU and its Member States.