On 20 April 2012, the European Commission presented the strategic importance of electronic procurement (eprocurement) and set out the main actions through which the Commission intends to support the transition towards full e-procurement in the EU by mid 2016. The ultimate goal is "straight through e-procurement" with all phases of the procedure from notification (e-notification) to payment (e-payment) being conducted electronically. This will maximise the efficiency gains of e-procurement for the public sector and allow European companies - especially SMEs - to exploit the full benefits of the Digital Single Market.

As part of the multi annual financial framework, the Commission has proposed the launch of the "Connecting Europe Facility" (CEF) programme. Its goal would be to support investment in the deployment of infrastructure required to enable the delivery of cross border public services (i.e. essential digital service infrastructures in the public interest). The proposed budget for these infrastructures is around 2 billion EUR and e-procurement would be one of the key services under consideration. It is currently estimated that projects funded under the CEF will come on-stream in 2014-2015. Moreover, the Commission will use structural funds under the proposed Common Strategic Framework (CSF) to complement investments made by the CEF and to support the use of e-procurement across public administrations in Europe.
The Commission therefore invites Member States and the European Parliament to adopt the revised Public Procurement legislative package before the end of this year.

More information
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/publicprocurement/e-procurement/index_en.htm