Daily procurement news · 1 October 2026 · Episode 8
Europe argues over “Made in Europe” rules for public contracts
Four signals for anyone selling to governments in Europe: EU capitals split three ways on European preference in tenders, six member states demand a smaller 2028–2034 budget, Romania opens €650m for public battery storage, and two of the continent’s biggest infrastructure tenders reach the final round.
In this episode
EU capitals split three ways on “Made in Europe” preference
France, Germany and Spain each propose a different model for how much preference European products get in public contracts. Whatever is agreed changes who can win, in every member state.
Six member states demand a smaller 2028–2034 EU budget
The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Finland want a much lower budget. Portugal, Spain and France have already pushed back. This number sets the size of public spending for seven years.
Romania opens €650m for public battery storage
Two programmes for public entities to build 4.4 GWh of storage, applications close 30 October. Separately, Spain has requested the final €25.8bn of its recovery plan, so committed money now has to turn into contracts.
Dublin Metro and Polish high-speed rail reach the final
Dublin’s €8bn metro is down to ACS and Ferrovial. Ferrovial is also in the final for Poland’s high-speed rail after ACS and Acciona dropped out.