Application of the principle of transparency in public procurement law by the Court of Justice of the European Union

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate how the principle of transparency, deriving from the Treaties and the secondary law, is implemented in the course of conditions and rules imposed during the public procurement procedure. Firstly, the principle of transparency in the EU legal system is discussed and explained are its sources, types and aspects, as well as the necessity to adapt it with time. Secondly, the principle of transparency in the EU public procurement law is outlined, with particular emphasis on its sector specific sources and aims it serves. Furthermore, the question is analysed whether the notion of “transparency” is a principle or a legal obligation, used to implement other principles. Thirdly and lastly, the principle of transparency is discussed, as reflected at different stages of public procurement procedure.