This report examines the relationship between the prices for mobile communication services and some of the most popular handsets used to access these services, focusing on smartphones. The objective is to better understand different business models and how they may affect comparisons of prices....

The public procurement Directives only apply if a body is a contracting authority (contracting entity in the Utilities sector) within the definition of the Directives. SIGMA Brief 3 gives guidance on the notion of a contracting authority/entity under the directives (especially the concept of...

The EU Public Procurement Directives only apply to contracts of a value that meet or exceed the relevant EU financial threshold. Below threshold contracts are not covered by the procurement Directives. However, below threshold contracts comprise the vast majority of contracts awarded by...

The EU Public Procurement Directives cover three main types of contract: works, supplies and services including design contests. Some contracts will often contain elements of one or more of the 3 types of contract. The Directives contain specific rules that are used to classify these mixed...

When a contracting authority enters into a contract with an economic operator, the arrangement cannot just be left to run. It must be managed to enable both the contracting authority and the economic operator to meet their contractual obligations. Contracts are frequently complex, may involve...

Malta is actively pursuing more effective and efficient public procurement with the recognition that it will support the government’s broad strategic goals and contribute to its fast growing economy. Malta has made great progress in updating its public procurement processes with many strategic...

This framework helps to identify the appropriate methods for characterising physico-chemical endpoints for different manufactured nanomaterials, or types of nanomaterials, for use in risk assessment and management, starting with basic substance characterisation. This document is intended to...