Brussels, 10/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - After lengthy preparatory work carried out by its relevant services, the European Commission approved a series of proposals aimed at simplifying and modernising the public procurement directives currently in force. The importance of public procurement - public works contracts, purchasing of goods and services by public administrations or by companies that manage services of public utility - is well known. It represents around 14% of the Union's GDP. The...