riigihankeõigust

Riigihankeõigus refers to the legal framework governing public procurement in Estonia. It is designed to ensure that public authorities acquire goods, services, and works in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner, maximizing the use of public funds and promoting economic competition. The core principles underpinning riigihankeõigus include equal treatment, non-discrimination, proportionality, and mutual recognition.

The primary legislation is the Public Procurement Act (Riigihangete seadus). This act sets out the procedures for conducting public procurement, including thresholds for different procurement procedures, the types of procedures available (e.g., open tender, restricted procedure, negotiated procedure), and the requirements for tender documents and award criteria. The law also addresses the rights and obligations of both contracting authorities and economic operators.

A key aspect of Estonian public procurement law is its alignment with European Union directives. Estonia, as an EU member state, implements EU procurement rules to ensure cross-border competition and adherence to common standards. This harmonization facilitates the participation of foreign companies in Estonian public tenders.

The Public Procurement Review Committee (Riigihangete vaidlustuskomisjon) serves as an independent body responsible for resolving disputes related to public procurement procedures. This provides a mechanism for economic operators to challenge decisions they believe are unlawful or unfair. The overall aim of riigihankeõigus is to foster a robust and competitive market for public contracts, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and the Estonian economy.