In public procurement, a Buyer, also known as a Contracting Authority in EU terminology, is the organization responsible for procuring goods, services, or works. Buyers may include government departments, local authorities, public utilities, or other bodies governed by public law. In EU procurement procedures, Buyers publish tenders, manage the evaluation process, and award contracts to selected suppliers.
They must conduct procurement in compliance with EU rules and principles, such as transparency, equal treatment, and non‑discrimination, especially for tenders exceeding EU thresholds, which require publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Buyers play a central role in defining technical specifications, setting award criteria, and ensuring that the entire process is fair, open, and aligned with public interest.
