Eurosystem procurement framework

 

SUMMARY OF

Decision 2008/893/EC laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement

Guideline (EU) 2015/280 on the establishment of the Eurosystem Production and Procurement System

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION AND GUIDELINE?

• The decision sets out the rules and practices for joint procurement by national central banks (NCBs) and by the European Central Bank (ECB) of goods and services necessary for performing Eurosystem tasks, and the roles of the Eurosystem Procurement Coordination Office (EPCO) and of the other public authorities involved.
• The guideline sets out rules to ensure that different types of printing firms in the public and private sectors can participate on equal terms in tender procedures for the production of euro banknotes organised and carried out within the European Union (EU).

KEY POINTS

When EPCO sees the need for joint procurement of goods and services, for cost efficiency and effectiveness or for harmonised requirements and standards, it invites the central banks to participate in a joint tender procedure*.

The ECB Governing Council approves the procedure and the leading central bank proposed by EPCO. The leading central bank carries out the joint tender procedure for the benefit of the NCBs participating in the joint tender procedure, in accordance with the applicable procurement rules.

The participation of NCBs in EPCO’s activities and in joint tender procedures is voluntary.

EPCO is hosted by an NCB appointed by the Governing Council of the ECB every 5 years. Luxembourg’s NCB currently holds this position (1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024). The NCBs finance EPCO’s budget on an annual or multiannual basis.

For the production and procurement of euro banknotes, the Eurosystem Production and Procurement System is set up. It covers the production of euro banknotes by NCBs using in-house printing works and the tendering for the production of euro banknotes by NCBs that rely on public printing works. Internal arrangements ensure that the accounts of the public printing works and those of its public authority are fully separated in the procedure.

NCBs are responsible for the production and procurement of the euro banknotes that have been allocated to them in accordance with their shares in the ECB’s capital.

FROM WHEN DO THE DECISION AND GUIDELINE APPLY?

• Decision 2008/893/EC has applied since 1 December 2008.
• Eurosystem central banks have complied with the guideline since 1 January 2015.

BACKGROUND

• The ECB Governing Council has the power under the statute of the ECB (Article 12.1) to adopt guidelines and take decisions to ensure effective operation of the Eurosystem. It also has the exclusive right to authorise the issue of euro banknotes within the EU and to allocate the responsibility for producing euro banknotes to the NCBs.
• In July 2007, the ECB Governing Council decided to establish the EPCO in order to enhance cooperation within the Eurosystem in the field of procurement. It made this permanent in 2020.

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Decision 2008/893/EC of the European Central Bank of 17 November 2008 laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement (ECB/2008/17) (OJ L 319, 29.11.2008, pp. 76–78).

Successive amendments to Decision 2008/893/EC have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Guideline (EU) 2015/280 of the European Central Bank of 13 November 2014 on the establishment of the Eurosystem Production and Procurement System (ECB/2014/44) (OJ L 47, 20.2.2015, pp. 29–33).

See consolidated version.

last update 21.03.2023