BLOCKCHAIN AND EU PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW - The Legal Implications of Adopting Blockchain Technology in Public E-Procurement

Abstract: The EU's economy is heavily influenced by public procurement, with services, works, and supplies worth approximately €2 trillion being purchased by public authorities annually. While the EU's legal framework allows for electronic means in public procurement, the aim is to achieve full e-procurement to maintain transparency, equal treatment, non-discrimination, and fair competition. However, it remains unclear whether the current legal framework for public procurement can accommodate e-procurement, which relies on new emerging technologies. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the viability of employing blockchain technology in public e-procurement and evaluate the legal implications associated with its implementation. It will examine blockchain technology's potential advantages and difficulties in public procurement within the EU while considering principles such as transparency, equal treatment, non-discrimination, and fair competition. The research will ultimately choose the feasibility of incorporating blockchain technology into the European Union's public procurement system to keep up with advancements and enhance efficiency. Keywords: Blockchain Technology, EU Public Procurement, E-Procurement. Digital Transformation.