How did EU policy responses to the COVID 19 crises affect corruption in public procurement? A comparative analysis of Italy and Germany

Public procurement is a crucial tool to ensure a swift provision of essential goods, equipment, infrastructure and relevant expertise in crises. In April 2020 the European Commission removed unnecessary burdens and provided room for manoeuvre for the procurement of supplies, services and work in member states, by lowering standards of transparency and integrity, equal competitive access, equal treatment of businesses, best value for money, and efficiency. This project analyzes how the European Commission’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected corruption during public procurement in member states, through a comparative analysis of the two contrasting cases of Italy, with high perceived corruption levels, and Germany, traditionally seen as having low levels of corruption. It analyzes, first, how member states implemented the EC’s non-binding guidance into national procedures and guidelines. Second, we study the implications for both perceived and actual levels of corruption, through combining a survey of bureaucrats and businesses with a systematic analysis of court proceedings relating to alleged corruption. A comparative case study of mask scandals in the two countries showcases the mechanisms, possible causes and implications of increased corruption in public procurement during the pandemic.