This paper proposes a reconciliatory approach to the interpretation of the principle of competition and the principle’s role for green public procurement. To ensure consistency when interpreting article 18(1), second subparagraph of the EU Public Procurement Directive, the paper suggests taking guidance from the general principles of EU law. The paper considers the interpretation of “unduly favouring or disadvantaging” economic operators, and examines which factors are relevant to the assessment of whether the principle of competition is violated in the context of green award criteria.
Keywords: green public procurement; competition; principles