ABSTRACT

This chapter aims to explore the intrinsic links of public procurement regulation with the implementation of social policy objectives in the Member States and offers insights to the dimension of public procurement as an indissoluble component of the 'social market economy' in the EU. It provides a critical exposition to the structure and characteristics of the regulation of public procurement. The chapter examines the discourse to the option for externalisation of public services and the ensuing outcomes for the public sector of EU Member States. It also offers a critical disposition of the underpinning ordoliberal approach to public procurement regulation as the conduit of its connection with the 'social market economy' in the EU. The chapter concludes with the analysis and synthesises the arguments made to provide evidence of the social dimension of public procurement regulation in the EU and its links with 'social market economy'.