All news
Politics
Business
Technology
Incidents
Sports
Weather
Science
Entertainment
World
Real Estate
AI News
CE wants single platform for public procurement and more focus on environmental criteria
Business

CE wants single platform for public procurement and more focus on environmental criteria

SAPO Notícias11 September 2026 at 06:35

The European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation to create a single European public procurement platform, aimed at centralizing public procurement procedures across all Member States. This initiative comes within the framework of efforts to strengthen the European single market.

The new regulation's main objectives are to boost competition in the single market and facilitate the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into public procurement processes. Currently, many procedures are too complex or fragmented, which particularly harms small economic operators.

According to the Commission, the implementation of this platform could generate a significant reduction of 650 million euros in annual administrative burdens. This decrease in bureaucracy should benefit both contracting authorities and the companies competing for public contracts.

The proposal is part of a broader strategy of the European Commission to modernize public procurement in the Union, making it more transparent, efficient and accessible, with special attention to environmental criteria in the award processes.

Related articles

Novo disparo na energia deixa empresas apreensivasPhoto by Military_Material on Pexels
Business

New energy surge leaves companies apprehensive

The new escalation of tension in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea has once again caused energy prices to surge, with the price of oil touching 100 dollars a barrel, increasing pressure on European and Portuguese companies that were already facing high energy costs in the first quarter. The Government announced measures such as a 3-cent increase in ISP, the extension of the 10-cent agricultural diesel support and the maintenance of the solidary gas bottle, but business associations consider these measures insufficient. The Portuguese Business Association advocates for measures targeting the most exposed sectors, while CAP estimates needs of 170 to 200 million euros and Apicer suggests reviving the former 'Apoiar Gás' programme, which made 190 million available for companies dependent on natural gas. Government officials leave the door open to further support, acknowledging the unlikelihood of a US-Iran agreement that would allow a significant drop in prices in the short term.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:50
Vindima rende 650 milhões de litros de vinho, mais 12% face a 2025Photo by ever_ctba on Pexels
Business

Harvest yields 650 million liters of wine, up 12% compared to 2025

The grape harvest in Portugal is expected to yield 650 million liters of wine, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year, in a context where European production fell by 11%. The president of the Vine and Wine Institute (IVV), Francisco Toscano Rico, highlighted that Portugal is in counter-cycle with the European trend, emphasizing this year's excellent quality and the early start of the harvest. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including a decline in global consumption exacerbated by geopolitical instability and trade tariffs. Although Portugal has demonstrated "superior resilience" compared to other European countries, the sector now exports to 150 countries and is betting on new markets such as India and Mercosur, particularly Brazil, to offset pressure on traditional destinations.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:46
Comércio eletrónico – devolver encomendas é um bicho de 7 cabeças?Photo by TheDigitalArtist on Pexels
Business

E-commerce – is returning orders a nightmare?

This DECO MADEIRA article explains consumer rights regarding the return of online purchases in Portugal. According to the law, consumers have 14 consecutive days after receiving the item to exercise their right of free resolution, even without a defect, with exceptions being personalized products, alcoholic beverages, and sealed goods. Regarding refunds, if the order was sent using the standard method, the company is obligated to refund the value of the goods plus the initial shipping costs. As for return costs, these are agreed between seller and consumer, but if the product has a defect, the costs are always borne by the company. DECO also reminds consumers that in physical stores, returns are not mandatory without a defect.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:45
Negócio do vinho está a azedar no mundoPhoto by joaoluismf on Pexels
Business

Wine business is turning sour worldwide

The wine business is going through one of the most difficult phases in the last 60 years, with world consumption declining and excess supply pressing prices and margins. Several countries, including France, Germany and Australia, are pulling out vineyards to reduce production. Portugal, although more resistant than other European producers, faces challenges: national production is recovering, but about half of the wine depends on external markets. The Government announced a credit line of 110 million euros and 12 million in support for the Douro, but CAP demands comprehensive measures for all regions and not just short-term interventions. The confederation also warns about competition from bulk Spanish wine and demands greater inspection and traceability. The IVV is developing a digital traceability system for all wines sold in Portugal, using artificial intelligence, and created the Vineyard and Wine Observatory to gather data on the sector. External promotion was reinforced, with the public funding rate rising to 60%.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:43