European public procurement in the healthcare sector is of major importance for member states. This importance is driven by growing needs linked to demographic aging, the rise of chronic diseases, and above all the digital transformation of healthcare systems. The Horizon Europe 2025–2027 program (Health Cluster) notably aims to transform healthcare systems through digital and green innovation (Source: RightLiens). It is also observed that European structural funds continue to support massive investments, whether in hospital infrastructure or medical equipment. For example, the Romanian Partnership Agreement 2021–2027 allocates €2.3 billion to access and quality of care (Source: European Commission).

From a regulatory perspective, the European Union launched a public consultation in November 2025 with a view to a major revision of the public procurement directives (adopted in 2014). This has direct implications for the healthcare sector, notably through the simplification of procedures for medical equipment, and better consideration of therapeutic innovation criteria and supply security.

The new European thresholds, in force since January 1, 2026 (decreasing from €143,000 to €140,000 for supplies and services (Source: Racine Brussels)), expand the scope of hospital purchases subject to European publication. This strengthens cross-border competition in key segments such as medical equipment and diagnostic devices.

At the same time, purchasing methods in the healthcare sector are evolving towards greater pooling (notably through hospital purchasing centers and joint procurement groups). There is also growing attention to digital sovereignty, the security of health data, and the resilience of supply chains for medicines and critical equipment.

What are the particularities of the European healthcare market?

10% of EU GDP was spent on healthcare in 2023€319 per capita spending on medical technologies

In European healthcare systems, public authorities are often the main buyers (for example, public hospitals, national or regional health agencies, or health-specific entities). Public tenders are therefore a key component in how healthcare services operate.

The healthcare sector is particularly complex for several reasons. On the one hand, the need for medical equipment (medical devices, digital health technologies, pharmaceutical products) requires highly detailed technical specifications and strong sector expertise to define tender requirements. On the other hand, the way tenders are designed and awarded is evolving, notably due to current trends such as the digitalization of procurement procedures, the increasing integration of value and sustainability criteria (value-based procurement), and transnational collaboration (joint procurement between member states) (Source: UEHP).

In addition, the healthcare sector is sensitive to health emergencies and fluctuations in demand (such as epidemics or hospital crises). This can lead to accelerated procedures or negotiated contracts without full publication (while still complying with European rules, of course).

Finally, some tenders must take into account the risk of dependency on a single supplier. This refers to situations where a hospital or health authority could not obtain an essential product if the main supplier encountered a problem (stock shortages, bankruptcy, production incapacity). This risk is particularly critical for strategic medical devices or essential medicines. To mitigate it, contracts may be structured into multiple lots, allow participation from several suppliers, or include specific criteria in the selection process.

Where can I find European tenders in the healthcare sector?

Tenders Electronic Daily (TED)

E-Procurement (Belgique)

BOAMP (France)

... and much more

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Are there any regulations in the European healthcare sector to be aware of?

The healthcare sector in Europe is governed by a set of strict regulations that you, as market participants, will need to master. The European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR 2017/745) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR 2017/746) are the two essential regulatory pillars. They impose enhanced requirements regarding safety, traceability, and post-market surveillance.

Directive 2011/24/EU on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare governs patient mobility within the European Union (i.e., it allows EU citizens to receive medical care in another EU country).

Regarding health data, the GDPR applies with particular rigor as in all other sectors. Medical data, being considered sensitive, are subject to specific obligations. This framework will soon be strengthened by the European Health Data Space (EHDS) (Source: European Commission).

Finally, for public procurement, Directive 2014/24/EU governs tendering procedures. It requires public buyers to publish their contracts on the TED platform above certain financial thresholds.

In which European countries is the number of tenders in the healthcare sector highest?

Number of tenders in the healthcare sector by European country (Source: TED)

In 2025, according to TED data, Poland clearly stands out as the most active European country in terms of healthcare tenders, far ahead of its European neighbors.

Poland: leads by a wide margin with 1,910 tenders, representing nearly 30% of the total for the ten countries listed.
Spain: ranks second with 1,231 tenders, twice as many as Germany, which comes third.
Germany: records 635 tenders, a relatively modest number given its size and the largest economy in Europe.
Finland: surprises in fourth place with 470 tenders, a high volume for a country of only 5.5 million inhabitants.
Italy (327), Sweden (312), France (310), and Portugal (291) show similar results despite very different population sizes.
Netherlands (280) and Norway (276) close the ranking with similar volumes, reflecting comparable public procurement practices.

It should be noted, however, that these figures only concern tenders above the TED publication thresholds. Local and national public procurement below these thresholds represents an additional significant share, so the actual numbers are likely underestimated.

The information provided on this page is for general information purposes only. Although we make every effort to verify all the statistics and data presented, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Each statistic should be considered in context.

Frequently asked questions

What is a public healthcare contract in Europe?

A public healthcare contract in Europe is an agreement between a public buyer (such as a hospital, a national administration, or a health agency) and a private or public supplier. The purpose is to acquire goods, services, or works related to healthcare.

These contracts, subject to European public procurement directives, cover a wide range of purchases (medical equipment, medicines, diagnostic services, or hospital management software).

What is the size of the European public healthcare market?

Each year, EU member states spend on average 10% of their GDP on healthcare. A significant portion of this spending passes through public tender procedures.

Overall, public procurement in the healthcare sector is estimated at several hundred billion euros annually. This includes the purchase of medicines and medical devices, hospital services, infrastructure, and digital solutions.

This market is continuously growing, driven in particular by the aging European population, the digitalization of healthcare systems, and massive investments following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Can an SME bid for European public healthcare contracts?

Yes, an SME can absolutely bid for public healthcare contracts in Europe. European institutions actively encourage their participation.

Several mechanisms have been implemented to facilitate access. Notably, mandatory lotting of contracts (requiring public buyers to divide tenders into more accessible lots) and reduced financial requirements for smaller entities.

SMEs can also form temporary joint ventures (consortia) to jointly bid for larger-scale contracts.

Which European countries publish the most public tenders in the healthcare sector?

According to data available on the TED platform, Poland, Spain, and Germany are among the most active European countries in publishing healthcare tenders.

Poland and Spain stand out particularly for their high volumes. In contrast, countries such as France or Germany, despite having some of the largest healthcare systems in Europe, publish proportionally fewer tenders on TED.

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