Overview
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is preparing to launch a public procurement tender for legal services focused on EU staff matters. This tender, categorized under the identifier EMA/2026/OP/0001-PIN, seeks to establish two framework contracts with qualified law firms for legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services related to the interpretation and implementation of provisions from the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, and the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union.
The maximum indicative budget for this tender is €170,000, allocated over a total contract period of four years, which includes an initial year and three one-year renewal options. The tender is expected to be publicly launched in January 2026, with the TED publication of the contract notice scheduled for November 20, 2025.
Eligible applicants are law firms that have experienced lawyers specializing in EU staff regulations and should ensure they have no conflicts of interest that might impair impartiality in their services. Legal services will primarily be conducted at the law firms' offices but may also require attendance at the EMA's Amsterdam headquarters or the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The nature of the support provided is monetary compensation for the legal services rendered, characterized as a service contract rather than a grant. The application process is open to all eligible law firms, and they will be selected based on qualifications, expertise, and suitability for the specific legal services required.
The operation involves an open procedure and typically includes a selection stage for assessing qualifications followed by an award stage focused on determining the best proposals. There are no specified co-funding requirements, as the EMA will fully cover the costs associated with the contracts.
This tender represents a significant opportunity for law firms with expertise in EU institutional law to provide essential legal support to a key EU agency, thereby facilitating the resolution of employment law issues within the EU framework. Interested parties should monitor the relevant channels for further details and updates concerning the official tender announcement.
The maximum indicative budget for this tender is €170,000, allocated over a total contract period of four years, which includes an initial year and three one-year renewal options. The tender is expected to be publicly launched in January 2026, with the TED publication of the contract notice scheduled for November 20, 2025.
Eligible applicants are law firms that have experienced lawyers specializing in EU staff regulations and should ensure they have no conflicts of interest that might impair impartiality in their services. Legal services will primarily be conducted at the law firms' offices but may also require attendance at the EMA's Amsterdam headquarters or the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The nature of the support provided is monetary compensation for the legal services rendered, characterized as a service contract rather than a grant. The application process is open to all eligible law firms, and they will be selected based on qualifications, expertise, and suitability for the specific legal services required.
The operation involves an open procedure and typically includes a selection stage for assessing qualifications followed by an award stage focused on determining the best proposals. There are no specified co-funding requirements, as the EMA will fully cover the costs associated with the contracts.
This tender represents a significant opportunity for law firms with expertise in EU institutional law to provide essential legal support to a key EU agency, thereby facilitating the resolution of employment law issues within the EU framework. Interested parties should monitor the relevant channels for further details and updates concerning the official tender announcement.
Detail
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is planning to launch a tender procedure for the procurement of legal services. The procedure identifier is EMA/2026/OP/0001-PIN. The TED reference is 224/2025 772142-2025.
The services required are:
a) Legal advice in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union; the Protocol (No.7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; and other matters which may arise in relation to employment conditions of staff, collectively referred to as EU staff matters.
b) Pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union; the Protocol (No. 7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; and other matters which may arise in relation to EU staff matters.
The scope of this procedure is to establish two framework contracts with two suitably qualified and experienced law firms, predominantly covering the provision of legal advice but also pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to EU staff matters.
A "law firm" is understood as comprising practicing lawyers as individuals. "Pre-litigation cases/matters" are understood as cases where legal advice is given in the preparation of arbitration or conciliation or judicial proceedings, or where there is tangible indication and high probability that the matter to which the legal services relate will become the subject of arbitration or conciliation or judicial proceedings.
Regarding pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to EU staff matters, the Agency may require legal services in relation to appeals, complaints or disputes. The services envisaged by the EMA include, but are not limited to:
Advise the Agency on the elements and legal implications of the situation.
Draft and review documents and all cases related documents and assist in the preparation of the Agency’s defence.
Draft replies to complaints and other correspondence as required.
Participation in related meetings, usually by teleconference, and discussions as deemed necessary by the Agency.
Assist with the preparation of documents for written procedures and oral hearings, and ensure submission by e-curia or other appropriate means.
Legal representation of the Agency before the EU jurisdiction.
The legal services which may be required will normally be provided at the premises of the law firms. However, some attendance outside the premises of the law firm may also be required (i.e. at the Agency’s premises in Amsterdam or at the Court of Justice of the European Union).
An open procedure tender with a maximum indicative budget of 170,000 EUR is planned to be launched in January 2026. The contract awarded will be for an initial duration of one year, renewable three times each time for a period of one year. Hence the contract has a maximum duration of four years in total (1+1+1+1).
The tenderer and their lawyers (as well as their alternates) proposed to be assigned to EMA must not be subject to conflicting interests, which may negatively affect the performance of the services of the contract. The tenderer and the tenderer’s staff shall not be in any situation that could compromise the impartial and objective performance of the contract with regard to the rendition of the said services.
The procedure type is a planned call for tenders with OJ S publication. The estimated total value is 170,000 EUR. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. The lead contracting authority is the European Medicines Agency, MED - European Medicines Agency. The main classification (CPV) code is 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services. The nature of the contract is services. The maximum contract duration is 48 months. It is a framework agreement without reopening of competition. The estimated date of publication of a contract notice is 12/01/2026.
A question was asked regarding where to find the procurement documents for this call for tenders. The answer provided states that the planned call for tenders announces the intention of the contracting authority to publish a future call for tenders and that no other information or documents other than those published are available. This answer was published on 17/02/2024 at 00:54.
In summary, the European Medicines Agency intends to launch a tender for legal services related to EU staff matters. This includes both legal advice and pre-litigation/litigation services. The agency plans to award two framework contracts to qualified law firms. The maximum budget is 170,000 EUR, and the contract duration can be up to four years. The call for tenders is expected to be published in January 2026, with the contract notice appearing around 12/01/2026. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. Law firms interested in this opportunity should monitor the official publications for the release of the tender documents. The selected firms will need to ensure no conflict of interest exists.
The services required are:
a) Legal advice in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union; the Protocol (No.7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; and other matters which may arise in relation to employment conditions of staff, collectively referred to as EU staff matters.
b) Pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union; the Protocol (No. 7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; and other matters which may arise in relation to EU staff matters.
The scope of this procedure is to establish two framework contracts with two suitably qualified and experienced law firms, predominantly covering the provision of legal advice but also pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to EU staff matters.
A "law firm" is understood as comprising practicing lawyers as individuals. "Pre-litigation cases/matters" are understood as cases where legal advice is given in the preparation of arbitration or conciliation or judicial proceedings, or where there is tangible indication and high probability that the matter to which the legal services relate will become the subject of arbitration or conciliation or judicial proceedings.
Regarding pre-litigation and litigation services in relation to EU staff matters, the Agency may require legal services in relation to appeals, complaints or disputes. The services envisaged by the EMA include, but are not limited to:
Advise the Agency on the elements and legal implications of the situation.
Draft and review documents and all cases related documents and assist in the preparation of the Agency’s defence.
Draft replies to complaints and other correspondence as required.
Participation in related meetings, usually by teleconference, and discussions as deemed necessary by the Agency.
Assist with the preparation of documents for written procedures and oral hearings, and ensure submission by e-curia or other appropriate means.
Legal representation of the Agency before the EU jurisdiction.
The legal services which may be required will normally be provided at the premises of the law firms. However, some attendance outside the premises of the law firm may also be required (i.e. at the Agency’s premises in Amsterdam or at the Court of Justice of the European Union).
An open procedure tender with a maximum indicative budget of 170,000 EUR is planned to be launched in January 2026. The contract awarded will be for an initial duration of one year, renewable three times each time for a period of one year. Hence the contract has a maximum duration of four years in total (1+1+1+1).
The tenderer and their lawyers (as well as their alternates) proposed to be assigned to EMA must not be subject to conflicting interests, which may negatively affect the performance of the services of the contract. The tenderer and the tenderer’s staff shall not be in any situation that could compromise the impartial and objective performance of the contract with regard to the rendition of the said services.
The procedure type is a planned call for tenders with OJ S publication. The estimated total value is 170,000 EUR. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. The lead contracting authority is the European Medicines Agency, MED - European Medicines Agency. The main classification (CPV) code is 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services. The nature of the contract is services. The maximum contract duration is 48 months. It is a framework agreement without reopening of competition. The estimated date of publication of a contract notice is 12/01/2026.
A question was asked regarding where to find the procurement documents for this call for tenders. The answer provided states that the planned call for tenders announces the intention of the contracting authority to publish a future call for tenders and that no other information or documents other than those published are available. This answer was published on 17/02/2024 at 00:54.
In summary, the European Medicines Agency intends to launch a tender for legal services related to EU staff matters. This includes both legal advice and pre-litigation/litigation services. The agency plans to award two framework contracts to qualified law firms. The maximum budget is 170,000 EUR, and the contract duration can be up to four years. The call for tenders is expected to be published in January 2026, with the contract notice appearing around 12/01/2026. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. Law firms interested in this opportunity should monitor the official publications for the release of the tender documents. The selected firms will need to ensure no conflict of interest exists.
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Breakdown
Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant type for this opportunity is law firms, comprising practicing lawyers as individuals. The call specifies that the procedure aims to establish two framework contracts with two suitably qualified and experienced law firms.
Funding Type: This is a procurement opportunity, specifically a service contract. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is procuring legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services.
Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the call suggests that single applicants (law firms) are required. The description focuses on establishing framework contracts with individual law firms, not consortia.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but given that it is an EU tender by the European Medicines Agency, it is highly likely that law firms established within the EU or potentially EEA countries are eligible. The location of service may be a factor, as some attendance may be required at the Agency’s premises in Amsterdam or at the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Target Sector: The target sector is legal services, specifically legal advisory and representation services related to EU staff matters. This includes the interpretation and implementation of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, the Protocol (No. 7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and other related employment matters.
Mentioned Countries: Amsterdam (Netherlands), European Union
Project Stage: The project stage is for established legal services. The EMA is seeking experienced law firms to provide ongoing legal support, pre-litigation assistance, and litigation services.
Funding Amount: The maximum indicative budget is €170,000.
Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders with OJ S publication.
Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered. The law firms will be paid for providing legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services to the European Medicines Agency.
Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly detailed in the provided text. As an open call for tenders, it will likely involve at least one stage of proposal submission and evaluation.
Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.
Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not required. The EMA will fully fund the contracts up to the maximum indicative budget.
Summary:
This is a planned call for tenders by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to procure legal services related to EU staff matters. The EMA intends to establish two framework contracts with two qualified law firms. The services required include legal advice on the interpretation and implementation of EU staff regulations, pre-litigation assistance, and litigation services, including representation before the EU jurisdiction. The maximum indicative budget for this tender is €170,000. The contract will be for an initial duration of one year, renewable three times for a total of four years. The call is an open procedure tender and is planned to be launched in January 2026, with the contract notice expected to be published on 12/01/2026. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. Eligible applicants are law firms with experienced lawyers. The selected law firms must not have any conflicting interests that could compromise their impartiality. The legal services will primarily be provided at the law firms' premises, but occasional attendance at the EMA's premises in Amsterdam or the Court of Justice of the European Union may be required.
Funding Type: This is a procurement opportunity, specifically a service contract. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is procuring legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services.
Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the call suggests that single applicants (law firms) are required. The description focuses on establishing framework contracts with individual law firms, not consortia.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but given that it is an EU tender by the European Medicines Agency, it is highly likely that law firms established within the EU or potentially EEA countries are eligible. The location of service may be a factor, as some attendance may be required at the Agency’s premises in Amsterdam or at the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Target Sector: The target sector is legal services, specifically legal advisory and representation services related to EU staff matters. This includes the interpretation and implementation of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, the Protocol (No. 7) on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and other related employment matters.
Mentioned Countries: Amsterdam (Netherlands), European Union
Project Stage: The project stage is for established legal services. The EMA is seeking experienced law firms to provide ongoing legal support, pre-litigation assistance, and litigation services.
Funding Amount: The maximum indicative budget is €170,000.
Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders with OJ S publication.
Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered. The law firms will be paid for providing legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services to the European Medicines Agency.
Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly detailed in the provided text. As an open call for tenders, it will likely involve at least one stage of proposal submission and evaluation.
Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.
Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not required. The EMA will fully fund the contracts up to the maximum indicative budget.
Summary:
This is a planned call for tenders by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to procure legal services related to EU staff matters. The EMA intends to establish two framework contracts with two qualified law firms. The services required include legal advice on the interpretation and implementation of EU staff regulations, pre-litigation assistance, and litigation services, including representation before the EU jurisdiction. The maximum indicative budget for this tender is €170,000. The contract will be for an initial duration of one year, renewable three times for a total of four years. The call is an open procedure tender and is planned to be launched in January 2026, with the contract notice expected to be published on 12/01/2026. The TED publication date is 20/11/2025. Eligible applicants are law firms with experienced lawyers. The selected law firms must not have any conflicting interests that could compromise their impartiality. The legal services will primarily be provided at the law firms' premises, but occasional attendance at the EMA's premises in Amsterdam or the Court of Justice of the European Union may be required.
Short Summary
Impact This tender aims to procure legal services related to EU staff matters, including legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services. | Impact | This tender aims to procure legal services related to EU staff matters, including legal advice, pre-litigation, and litigation services. |
Applicant Law firms with expertise in EU staff law and experience in providing legal services. | Applicant | Law firms with expertise in EU staff law and experience in providing legal services. |
Developments The activities funded will focus on legal advisory and representation services concerning EU staff regulations and employment law. | Developments | The activities funded will focus on legal advisory and representation services concerning EU staff regulations and employment law. |
Applicant Type Law firms and legal service providers. | Applicant Type | Law firms and legal service providers. |
Consortium Single applicants are required; each framework contract will be awarded to one law firm. | Consortium | Single applicants are required; each framework contract will be awarded to one law firm. |
Funding Amount €170,000 maximum for the entire contract period of four years. | Funding Amount | €170,000 maximum for the entire contract period of four years. |
Countries Netherlands (where the EMA is located) and implicitly other EU Member States and EEA countries. | Countries | Netherlands (where the EMA is located) and implicitly other EU Member States and EEA countries. |
Industry Legal services, specifically in the area of EU employment and staff law. | Industry | Legal services, specifically in the area of EU employment and staff law. |
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