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Review of the information session “Cross-border public procurement – Focus on Germany”

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Agence Inspire Metz, in partnership with the World Trade Center Metz-Saarbrücken and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Germany (CCFA), organized an information session dedicated to a key issue for businesses in the Grand Est region: improving access to German public procurement markets.

With around ten participants, this exchange provided local businesses with practical tips for approaching a promising market with greater confidence, one that is still relatively unknown on the French side.

A buoyant but demanding economic environment in Germany

Germany remains one of Europe's strongest economies today, with a particularly large public sector: local authorities, federal states, specialized public bodies, public companies, etc. All of these players publish thousands of calls for tenders every year in a variety of sectors (construction, technology, services, energy transition, industrial equipment, intellectual services, etc.).

As Antoine Chardin (CCFA) pointed out, despite an economic slowdown, the country continues to support massive investments, particularly in infrastructure modernization, digital technology, healthcare, and energy. For French companies—especially those in the Grand Est region—the German market therefore represents significant potential, provided they are familiar with the rules.

Legal and regulatory fundamentals

During the morning session, Dr. Christian Herbert, a lawyer specializing in German public law, presented the structural principles of public procurement in Germany.

Discussions focused in particular on:

  • the main pillars of German public procurement law, based on transparency, competition, and non-discrimination;

  • European and national thresholds;

  • the overall response process; 

  • specific expectations regarding compliance, qualifications, and technical capacity.

A useful perspective for companies wishing to secure their procedures.

The speakers also reviewed the main platforms used in Germany. Emphasis was placed on the need for structured and regular monitoring, given the diversity of media used by German buyers.

A welcome opportunity for discussion

A lot of time was devoted to questions from companies, which were very interested in practical aspects. This special opportunity allowed local companies to share their experiences and questions.
The discussions revealed a genuine interest in the German public procurement market, which is perceived as accessible provided that companies receive the right support.

Antoine Chardin also discussed the benefits for certain French companies of— a German legal form that often facilitates responding to local calls for tenders — and reiterated that he could assist companies with this process.

Contact

For further assistance or additional information, please contact:

Antoine Chardin – CCI France Allemagne
a.chardin@strategy-action.com 

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