Navigating Change: Denmark's Evolving Public Procurement Landscape

Denmark’s Public Procurement Landscape – Between legislation, digitalization, and EU Developments
Public procurement in Denmark is undergoing rapid transformation. New legislative initiatives, regulatory requirements, and the EU’s ambitions for harmonization set the agenda, while digitalization plays an increasingly significant role.

At the core of Danish regulation is the Public Procurement Act of 2016, which implemented EU Directive 2014/24/EU. This Act establishes the framework for how the state, regions, and municipalities award and manage contracts for construction works, goods, services, and design contests.

Digitalization as a driving force
As of March 2025, Danish law introduces new requirements for bookkeeping and invoicing practices:

All companies must use certified, cloud-based bookkeeping systems.
These systems must be able to process structured electronic invoices and generate SAF-T files (Standard Audit File for Tax) for the Danish Tax Agency.
From January 2026, the requirement will also apply to private companies with an annual turnover exceeding DKK 300,000.
For public procurement, this means that the entire invoicing chain must be documented and verified digitally. This raises expectations both for suppliers’ systems and for contracting authorities’ ability to integrate data into their financial management.

These changes form part of the EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative, which aims to harmonize digital tax reporting across member states.

My perspective: I support both public authorities and suppliers in translating these new digital requirements into concrete procedures. For me, compliance is not just about ticking boxes – it is about using transparency as a lever for stronger collaboration and more credible contracts.

EU-Level Legislation
Denmark plays an active role in European discussions about the future of procurement directives. The debates focus on balancing:

simplification through a possible consolidation of several directives into a single regulation,
maintaining flexible procedures that allow discretion for contracting authorities,
ensuring easy access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The goal is a framework that is administratively manageable while preserving competition and equal access.

My perspective: As a co-author of the Danish Public Procurement Act, I have a unique insight into how EU directives are implemented nationally. I use this background to help my clients prepare for regulatory changes in time – turning what could be risks into opportunities for stronger positioning.

Regulatory Innovation and Collaboration
Nationally, the Danish Business Regulation Forum and several ministries work to ensure that new rules are assessed for their impact on businesses. The focus is on simplification, digital innovation, and a holistic approach.

For contracting authorities and suppliers, this means that the pace of change is high. Law, strategy, and business practice must increasingly be connected.

My perspective: I focus on translating legal frameworks into actionable strategies. I help my clients use procurement and contracts not only as legal instruments but as management tools that support quality, sustainability, and efficiency.

The Challenges Ahead
The coming years bring several key challenges:

Digital bookkeeping and invoicing requirements.
Anticipated amendments to EU procurement directives.
A continued complexity of rules requiring in-depth legal expertise.

My perspective: I guide my clients through these challenges by ensuring they remain resilient in a changing environment. My role is to provide clarity and confidence so that decisions are made on a solid legal and strategic foundation. I see it as my responsibility to make sure that both contracting authorities and suppliers not only comply with the rules but also strengthen their ability to compete and collaborate in the long term.