The Institute of Public Finance (IFP) project

#TAKdlaCRU

A project dedicated to the Central Register of Contracts (an indispensable tool in hands of citizens in a democratic state), which provides greater transparency and control over public spending.

What is the Central Register of Contracts (CRU)?

The Central Register of Contracts (CRU) is a centralized database of contracts, and procurement documents. Its implementation in Poland will effectively and directly increase the transparency and openness of public spending and citizen control over public finances.

Unfortunately, the implementation of the CRU has encountered some delays and legislative changes. It was originally planned to be launched in July 2022, but the deadline was postponed to January 1, 2024. Currently, the obligation to publish information on each contract that is singed by public institution is planned to go into effect not sooner than on January 1, 2026.

998

days have passed since the first attempt to introduce the CRU*

* CRU was originally scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2022

Young citizens on CRU

The introduction of the Central Register of Contracts in Poland brings many benefits for both public administration, business and citizens. The most important are the following:

Access to public information

Citizens and non-governmental organizations have easier access to information about the activities of public institutions, which promotes their greater involvement in public life and gives them greater public control – preventing abuses.

Management efficiency

The central register of contracts enables better coordination and control of public spending, which contributes to more efficient management of funds and promotes better budget planning.

Reducing corruption

Public disclosure of contracts makes it more difficult to conclude an agreement on unfavourable terms and counteracts corruption, making purchasing processes more honest.

Improving competitiveness

Contract transparency can encourage more companies to participate in a bidding process, increasing competitiveness and potentially lowering procurement costs.

Standardization of procedures

The central register of contracts helps standardize government contracting processes, making them easier to compare and evaluate.

Promoting best practices

Public disclosure of contracts can lead to the identification and promotion of best practices in contracting and implementation by public institutions

Examples of registers in other countries

Central Registers of Contracts have been operating successfully in many European countries for years, bringing tangible benefits to public financial management. In Slovakia, for example, the introduction of the registry has led to a significant reduction in financial mismanagement, resulting in a drop in public procurement costs by almost a third in just the first year of its operation.

Slovakia

implemented: 01.01.2011

see

Czech Republic

implemented: 01.06.2016

see

Portugal

implemented 01.01.2008

see

Learn more

Read our studies to learn more about the benefits of Central Register of Contracts, its implementation and how it affects efficiency and transparency in the management of public funds. Get expert opinions and stay up to date with the latest analysis from the Institute of Public Finance