European engineering consultants discusses contracts and project funding with European Investment Bank and international contractors.
Contract conditions and funding for projects linked to external action were top of the agenda at a recent meeting in Luxembourg between European engineering consultancy federation EFCA and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European International Contractors (EIC).
A key issue under discussion was the EIB’s Strategic Procurement Initiative, which features a Guide to Procurement, shortly to be updated. EFCA and EIC advocated for greater alignment, not only with EU policy developments but also with the evolving situation in the countries that are beneficiaries of European funding under the Global Gateway Initiative.
There was also an opportunity to discuss the potential use of Collaborative Delivery Models, also known as Early Contractor Involvement. This kind of collaboration can be beneficial in large, complex projects that are eligible for EIB loans. Some concerns were also raised about the eligibility restrictions in EU-funded projects.
EFCA president, Inés Ferguson has considerable experience in projects funded by the EIB and she was present at the meeting, along with EFCA’s policy manager, Mihai Barcanescu.
The European Investment Bank Guide to Procurement (2024 edition) informs project promoters on rules for procuring goods, works and services financed by the bank, ensuring transparency, fairness and efficiency. It mandates compliance with EU directives within the EU and adheres to core principles like non-discrimination, value for money and anti-fraud policies globally.
