Wales Must Seize EU Procurement Potential

Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Makes Call to Boost Welsh Business on Visit to Brussels

The Party of Wales Shadow Cabinet has today met with EU officials to discuss a range of issues facing Wales including job creation and procurement policy.

During a visit to the European Parliament today, the party’s Shadow Cabinet – along with MEP Jill Evans – held a series of meetings to explore the potential for maximising the opportunities for small and medium businesses as a result of changes to the EU’s rules on public sector procurement policy.

The Plaid Cymru delegation also met with colleagues from the European Free Alliance group, the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee, and also with officials handling Welsh issues such as structural funds and support for farmers.

The Shadow Cabinet’s visit comes at a time of significant potential change in Europe, with growing aspirations for EU member-status in Scotland and Catalonia alongside the ongoing risk of UK withdrawal from the union.

Speaking from the European Parliament today party leader Leanne Wood AM said:

“Wales has made significant progress in recent years in increasing the amount of public procurement that directly benefits Welsh companies and the Welsh economy.

“In discussions with EU officials today it has become clear that the new EU procurement rules will make it easier for SMEs to access public contracts. But it is up to governments and public authorities to ensure that they take advantage of the new rules when they offer the contracts. The rules are expected to be transposed into UK law quite rapidly.

“Current and future Welsh Governments need to move quickly to match procurement policy to the changing EU rules so that we can maximise the benefits. While Plaid Cymru’s aim remains to increase the volume of business being won by Welsh firms, the rules are aimed at simplification of the existing process and removing hurdles faced by small firms.

“We welcome this and a Plaid Cymru government will ensure that the progress made to date is continued and deepened.

“Plaid Cymru is continuing to consult on how to improve the engagement of the private sector with the spending of EU funds, so that the next round of funding complements other economic policies to lift Wales out of relative decline and low wages.

“Reforming and improving the EU so that it works better for Wales remains a priority which we are working towards.”

Jill Evans MEP added:

“While UK politics is d0minated by talk of a British exit from the EU, the governments of emerging nations like Scotland and Catalonia are seeking EU membership in their own right. In Wales we must seize the practical opportunities to show how EU membership can benefit our economy.

“The benefits will not always accrue automatically, they must be secured by the actions of Welsh Governments in partnership with business. Early engagement with the new procurement rules should be a key priority for Wales.”