Procurement reference
EU thresholds for public procurement - overview
Above which contract value does EU procurement law apply? The thresholds below are reviewed every two years by the European Commission and are net values, excluding VAT.
Period: 2026 / 2027
Short answer
If the estimated contract value exceeds the applicable threshold, an EU-wide tender procedure (VgV, SektVO, KonzVgV, or VSVgV in Germany) is mandatory. Below the threshold, national rules apply (UVgO, VOB/A 1st section).
Threshold calculator
Enter the estimated net contract value and pick the contracting authority type and contract type. The calculator returns the applicable threshold and whether an EU-wide procedure is required.
Applicable threshold
€216,000
Applicable procurement rules
National rules (UVgO / VOB/A 1st section)
For contracting authorities outside the utilities sector. Different thresholds for central federal authorities and other contracting authorities.
| Contracting authority | Supply / services | Works |
|---|---|---|
| Central federal authorities | EUR 140,000 | EUR 5,404,000 |
| Other contracting authorities | EUR 216,000 | EUR 5,404,000 |
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about thresholds in public procurement.
- How is the contract value estimated?
- The relevant value is the total estimated net value excluding VAT, including all options and contract extensions. Artificial splitting to fall below the threshold is prohibited under section 3 VgV.
- Which threshold applies to mixed contracts?
- For mixed contracts, the threshold follows the main subject. If no main subject can be identified, the higher threshold applies.
- When are thresholds revised?
- The European Commission reviews thresholds every two years and adjusts them by delegated regulation. The values shown apply to the 2026 / 2027 period.
- What happens below the thresholds?
- National sub-threshold rules apply: UVgO for supply and services, VOB/A 1st section for works. These are less formalised but still binding.
- Where can I find the original regulation?
- EU thresholds are published in the Official Journal of the European Union. We link to the current delegated regulations and the German GWB / VgV.
Sources and further reading
This overview does not constitute legal advice. Binding information is provided by the following sources.
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The thresholds shown apply to the 2026 / 2027 period and are revised every two years by the European Commission. This page is not legal advice. The binding source is the current version published in the Official Journal of the European Union.