André Gaspar Martins is quoted in an article by Jornal de Negócios focusing on the increase in public procurement thresholds and the changes to the prior review regime of the Court of Auditors, key topics in the current revision of Portugal’s public procurement framework.

The partner leading VdA’s Public practice highlights that these changes represent a necessary adjustment to the current economic context, noting that “what is at stake is adapting (or updating) these thresholds to the country’s current economic reality” and arguing that “this flexibility is welcome, necessary and suited to the current economic environment.”

He also dismisses the idea that these changes will, in themselves, lead to an increase in litigation, stating that “I do not believe that the announced increase in thresholds (…) will, in itself, lead to an increase in litigation”, framing the measure as a balanced adjustment between efficiency and oversight.

With regard to the revision of the prior review regime, the lawyer considers it to be “a necessary reform (and long overdue)”, aligned with European best practices, stressing that “it is in line with best European practices, not against them.”

Read the full article here.