Michailopoulos & Associates Law Firm proudly participated as both sponsor and active contributor for the fourth consecutive year at the Panhellenic Conference on Public Procurement, held at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel on December 11–12, 2024. Organized by NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI, the conference brought together legal experts and practitioners to discuss the latest developments in the field of public procurement.
Our Managing Partner, Mr. Greg Michailopoulos, delivered an engaging and insightful speech titled, “Recourse to Exceptional Awarding Procedures Without a Tender: A Critical Approach and Current Concerns.” He joined a prestigious panel discussion, moderated by the former President of the Council of State, alongside distinguished speakers, including judges of the Council of State and prominent lawyers. The panel delved into the latest challenges and critical issues in public procurement, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise.
In his speech, Mr. Michailopoulos presented an in-depth analysis of public procurement practices, with a focus on direct awards and negotiations without prior publication under Greek law (Articles 32, 118, and 328 of Law 4412/2016). He explored the delicate balance between the necessity of these exceptional procedures during emergencies—such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic—and the risks they pose to transparency and fair competition.
A key highlight of his address was Greece’s remarkable achievement in ranking first among the 27 EU Member States for the lowest number of high-value contracts awarded through Article 32 procedures. Mr. Michailopoulos also provided critical insights into recent judicial rulings that define the concept of ‘unforeseen events’ and the justification required for invoking exceptional procedures.
He concluded by emphasizing that the primary concern is not the volume of direct awards but rather the adequacy of safeguards within the national legal framework to minimize dependency on these procedures. To address these concerns, he proposed practical solutions, including the enhancement of centralized procurement tools and mechanisms.
Michailopoulos & Associates is honored to have contributed to this prestigious event, supporting meaningful discussions and advancements in public procurement. We remain committed to active participation in such forums and look forward to continuing our engagement in shaping the future of public procurement practices.
For a deeper dive into the issues discussed, you can access the full presentation attached below.
