Provision of photo and video recording services for the EC Representation in Bulgaria (2026 -2030)

The European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria is preparing to launch a negotiated procedure for a service contract to provide photo and video recording services for a duration of four years, from 2026 to 2030. This opportunity is explicitly focused on professional service providers, including private media production companies, audiovisual service providers, photography studios, and communication agencies with audiovisual capabilities. However, it is important to note that this opportunity is not oriented towards small and medium-sized enterprises, indicating a preference for larger and more established service providers.

The contract, classified under CPV code 79961100 for photographic services, will involve the European Commission purchasing these services rather than offering grants. The selected contractor will be responsible for producing high-quality photographic and video materials that will be utilized across various channels including press releases, official websites, social media platforms, and printed materials.

Applications must be submitted electronically, with the registration deadline for expressing interest set for February 8, 2026, and the anticipated submission deadline for proposals around February 23, 2026. There is a multi-stage tendering process involved, including an expression of interest followed by evaluation stages. The exact budget for the contract has not been disclosed in the tender documentation, and there is no requirement for co-funding.

The opportunity specifically emphasizes the need for ongoing operational services rather than innovative projects, requiring the contractor to demonstrate relevant experience, technical capabilities, and proposed pricing. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full tender documentation on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal to gain insights into the evaluation criteria and technical requirements.

This is a pre-information notice, announcing the European Commission's intention to publish a future negotiated procedure for a low or middle value contract. This is NOT a call for tenders.

The procedure identifier is EC-COMM/SOF/2026/MVP/0028-EXA.

The title of the planned call for tenders is "Provision of photo and video recording services for the EC Representation in Bulgaria (2026-2030)".

The description of the planned contract is as follows: The Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria organizes and participates in numerous events throughout the year as part of its annual communication strategy. In order to cover these activities and better communicate the priorities of the European Commission, the Representation requires high-quality photographic and video materials. These materials will be used across various communication channels, including press releases (and subsequently by different media outlets); the website of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria; social media (Facebook, Twitter); printed publications and information materials; presentations; collages; and others.

The procedure type is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract.

The estimated total value is not specified.

The lead contracting authority is Европейска комисия, DG COMM - Communication.

The main classification (CPV) code is 79961100 - Advertising photography services.

The nature of the contract is for services.

The maximum contract duration is 48 months.

This is not a framework agreement.

The start date for expression of interest is 2026-01-29 Europe/Brussels.

The deadline for expression of interest is 09/02/2026 04:59 Europe/Sofia.

The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2026-02-23 Europe/Sofia.

The method of expression of interest is electronic.

To express interest, applicants must use the "Express interest" link. Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given.

A frequently asked question is: Where can I find the procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA' in the reference? The answer is: References that feature an ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders. They are a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intent to launch in the future a low or middle negotiated procedure. This answer was published on 03/10/2024 16:32.

In summary, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria plans to launch a negotiated procedure for a low or middle value contract to secure photo and video recording services for its communication activities between 2026 and 2030. The Representation needs high-quality visual materials to promote the European Commission's priorities through various channels like press releases, websites, social media, and printed materials. Companies interested in providing these services should express their interest electronically between January 29, 2026, and February 9, 2026. The actual call for tenders is expected to be launched around February 23, 2026. It is important to note that the reference number includes "ExA" which means this is not a call for tenders but a pre-information notice.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the service contract (photo and video recording), it is likely that eligible applicants could include SMEs, large enterprises, or potentially even individual professional photographers and videographers with the necessary expertise and capacity.

Funding Type: This is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value service contract. The funding type is therefore a service contract.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. It is possible that both single applicants and consortia could be eligible, depending on the specific requirements outlined in the future call for tenders.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): While not explicitly stated, given that the services are for the EC Representation in Bulgaria, it is highly likely that applicants from Bulgaria or those with a strong presence and ability to operate in Bulgaria will be favored. The European Union is the broader geographic region.

Target Sector: The target sector is services, specifically advertising photography and video recording services. It also relates to communication and media.

Mentioned Countries: Bulgaria is explicitly mentioned as the location where the services are to be provided.

Project Stage: This opportunity is for the provision of services, so the relevant stage is commercialization or operational. The project involves providing ongoing photo and video recording services.

Funding Amount: The opportunity is described as a "middle/low value" contract, but no specific funding range is provided.

Application Type: The application type will be a negotiated procedure, following an expression of interest. This is not a standard open call for tenders.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for providing photo and video recording services. The support is therefore monetary, in the form of payments for services rendered.

Application Stages: The application process will involve at least two stages: an expression of interest, followed by a negotiated procedure. There may be further stages within the negotiated procedure itself.

Success Rates: There is no information available regarding success rates. As a negotiated procedure, the success rate will depend on the number of applicants invited to negotiate and the quality of their proposals.

Co-funding Requirement: There is no information provided about co-funding requirements. It is unlikely that co-funding would be required for a service contract of this nature.

Summary: This is a pre-announcement of a planned negotiated procedure for a service contract to provide photo and video recording services for the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria. The contract is expected to run from 2026 to 2030. The European Commission, DG COMM Communication, is the lead contracting authority. The services required include high-quality photographic and video materials to cover events and activities organized by the EC Representation in Bulgaria, for use across various communication channels such as press releases, websites, social media, and printed materials. The procedure will involve an initial expression of interest, followed by a negotiated procedure with selected candidates. The estimated total value of the contract is not specified, but it is described as a middle/low value contract. The start date for expression of interest is planned for 2026-01-29, with a deadline of 09/02/2026. The indicative date for the launch of the negotiated procedure is 2026-02-23. Submissions for the expression of interest must be sent electronically. This announcement is not a call for tenders, but rather an intention to publish a future negotiated procedure.