By Mark Smulian | 24 July 2013

European Union ministers have decided to encourage member states to push forward the transition to end-to-end e-procurement and ensure its coordinated implementation.

The informal meeting of internal market and industry ministers in Vilnius, Lithuania, felt that digitising all procurement processes would maximise benefits.

‘End-to-end e-procurement integrates all phases of procurement from the electronic publication of notices to electronic payment,’ said Lithuania’s economy minister Evaldas Gustas. 

‘It can maximise the efficiency of public expenditure and become a new source of economic growth.

‘The procurement of innovative products and services can be a key driver of the modernisation of public sector.’

The meeting also discussed smart procurement, transparency and accountability of state-owned enterprises and the responsiveness of public administrations to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Ministers encouraged member states to share their experience of the reform of state-owned enterprises, especially in aggregate reporting and performance monitoring, which were important for ensuring the effective management of state assets and the maximum benefit to society.

Member states were invited to ensure the application of the ‘SME Test' in legislation and simplify business licensing procedures.

Gustas said: ‘SMEs have substantial impact on the economic development and job creation. The administrative services for SMEs are supposed to be improved and administrative costs reduced by better application of “Think Small First” principle.’