Classical Sector

Procurement activity in the public sector has historically been regulated differently in the sectors for energy, water, telecommunications and postal services (referred as to the "Utilities Sector") than in other sectors. For ease of distinction therefore, all procurement activity and regulation outside the Utility Sector is referred to as the Classical Sector.

This distinction emerged in the first procurement directives adopted by the EU in 197? when energy, water, telecommunications and postal services were excluded from the scope the respective directives regulating procurement of works, services and supplies.