Brussels, 26/08/2009 (Agence Europe) - Following its publication in the Official Journal of 20 August, directive 2009/81/EC on defence and security procurement has come into force, although it will only be applicable in the EU from 2011 (see EUROPE 9818). It will refer to the procurement of arms, munitions and war material and also to security contracts in areas such as protection against terrorism, including spare parts, labour, supplies and directly linked services. The financial thresholds from which public contracts will be covered by European legislation are in line with those in directive 2004/17/EC, the so-called “special sectors” directive. Companies to which contracts are awarded may be required to submit specific guarantees ensuring security of information (safeguarding of classified information) and security of supply (timely and reliable contract execution). The directive also contains appeals procedures for companies which feel they have been improperly treated in the award of contracts. “The Internal Market principles will finally apply in sectors which have been traditionally excluded from Community law,” said Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy in a press release. (M.B./transl.rt)