Brussels, 27/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has launched consultation on problems encountered by companies in Member States to introduced appeals during disputes over allocation of public procurement. Three questionnaires will be sent to companies, lawyers, company association and NGOs, which have till 15 December to reply. The Commission is hoping to obtain their opinions on how the national appeals systems work and then prepare revision of the current directives on the procedures, that it will present in the second half of 2004. Revision of the appeals procedures will complete the sectoral and framework directives on public procurement, which is currently being adopted. The Commission had chosen to present a separate proposal on appeals in order to avoid then being argued over in other drafts. Framework ands sectoral directives on public procurement are currently the subject of a conciliation procedure between the Council and Parliament. After the first launch meeting on 14 October, discussions will begin on 4 November. The two institutions will have to reach an agreement on 10 December at the latest.