EEA threshold

An EEA threshold is the financial limit in public procurement regulations that determines when a contract must be advertised across the entire European Economic Area. When a procurement's value exceeds the EEA threshold, stricter procedural rules apply under EU Directive 2014/24/EU, and the contract must be published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily).

How do EEA thresholds work?

EEA thresholds are set by the European Commission and revised every two years to correct for currency fluctuations between the euro and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA).

The current EU thresholds for the 2026–2027 period under Directive 2014/24/EU (excl. VAT):

• €140,000 — supplies and services for central government authorities
• €216,000 — supplies and services for sub-central contracting authorities (e.g. municipalities)
• €5,404,000 — works contracts
• €750,000 — social and other specific services

Below these thresholds, procurements may follow simpler national rules. Above them, the full regime of the EU procurement directives applies — including EU-wide publication and detailed procedural requirements.

What happens above the EEA threshold?

Crossing the EEA threshold triggers several obligations:

• Publication on TED: The contract notice must be published in the EU's official procurement database, opening it to suppliers across the EEA
• Full procedural rules: Stricter requirements for tender documents, time limits, and documentation under the directive's detailed procedures
• Anti-splitting rule: Procurements cannot be artificially divided to fall below the threshold
• Standstill period: A mandatory standstill period applies between the award decision and contract signature

The contract value is calculated based on the total estimated value over the entire contract period, including options. Tools like Cobrief make it easier to monitor notices published above the EEA threshold and alert you to relevant opportunities.

Summary

The EEA threshold is the bridge between national and European procurement law. It ensures that contracts of significant value are opened to cross-border competition throughout the EEA, in line with the EU public procurement directives. For both contracting authorities and tenderers, understanding which threshold applies to each contract type is essential for compliance and opportunity.