hankeõigused

Hankeõigused refers to the legal rights associated with public procurement processes in Estonia. These rights define the framework within which contracting authorities, such as government agencies and municipalities, must conduct procurements for goods, services, and works. The primary objective of these rights is to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fair competition among potential suppliers. Key aspects of hankeõigused include the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination, which mandate that all interested parties are treated equally throughout the procurement procedure. Contracting authorities are obligated to establish clear and objective selection criteria and award criteria, which must be published in advance. Suppliers, in turn, have the right to participate in procurements, to receive information about the process, and to challenge decisions they believe are unlawful. The Estonian Public Procurement Act (Riigihangete seadus) is the principal legislation governing hankeõigused, outlining the procedures for different types of procurements, including open procedures, restricted procedures, and competitive dialogue. It also establishes mechanisms for resolving disputes and appeals, typically through the Public Procurement Review Commission. Adherence to hankeõigused is crucial for ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that businesses have equitable access to public contracts.