EU Remedies Directive 2007/66/EC

The new Directive 2007/66/EC requires public authorities to wait a certain number of days, known as a 'standstill period', before concluding a public contract. This gives rejected bidders the opportunity to start an effective review procedure at a time when unfair decisions can still be corrected. If this standstill period has not been respected, the Directive requires national courts under certain conditions to set aside a signed contract, by rendering the contract "ineffective".