Public procurement: is Europe preparing to make BIM mandatory?

BIM at the heart of future European rules

As part of the revision of the European public procurement directives, a study carried out by Altaee and the EU BIM Group analyses the place of BIM in public procurement and the conditions for its possible generalisation.

Covering six European countries, including France and Germany, it reveals a mixed picture: while large companies and the main public clients already make extensive use of BIM, SMEs and smaller local authorities are often less advanced.

The conclusion is clear: the main obstacle is no longer technology, but the ability of organisations to structure, exchange and use their digital data.

Towards a gradual obligation based on contract size?

The study examines three regulatory scenarios: keeping the current rules, providing a better framework for voluntary use of BIM, or introducing gradual obligations.

This last option attracts particular attention. It considers requirements proportionate to the value and complexity of projects, with several indicative thresholds:

Please note: these amounts are options studied, not European obligations that have already been adopted.

Interoperability and data quality become essential

The study stresses a fundamental shift: producing a digital model is no longer enough.

The real value of BIM lies in the quality, structure and availability of information throughout the life of a built asset.

This involves in particular:

• Using open, interoperable formats, notably IFC.
• Precisely defining information requirements and BIM deliverables.
• Implementing collaborative processes consistent with ISO 19650.
• Checking the quality and compliance of the data exchanged.
• Reusing information for operation, maintenance and environmental assessment.

The expected benefits are significant: better coordination, fewer errors, cost control and better management of public property.

What is at stake for professionals and local authorities in France?

In France, BIM is not currently a general obligation for all public construction contracts. Its use depends in particular on the requirements set by public clients.

However, European guidance could gradually transform practices.

For local authorities, the challenge is knowing how to define their digital needs, draft suitable BIM requirements and check the deliverables they receive. The study also highlights the skills gap among small public clients.

For architects, engineering firms and contractors, the aim is to develop the skills needed to meet these expectations, without multiplying costs or making projects needlessly complex.

CADatWORK Learning: supporting you through this change

CADatWORK supports construction professionals and public clients in the practical adoption of BIM and openBIM.

Our approach is based on concrete solutions, tailored to the maturity and objectives of each organisation:

• Data management and checking: using IFC files, checking their quality, automating checks and preparing digital deliverables — see our IFC audit.
• Training: upskilling in Archicad, Revit, IFC, Simplebim and BIM processes — see the BIM training catalogue.
• Consulting and client-side support: defining needs, structuring BIM requirements and supporting projects — see our BIM client advisory service.
• Support for local authorities: help in defining a BIM strategy proportionate to the projects, resources and skills available to municipalities and inter-municipal bodies.

Our conviction: BIM should not become yet another regulatory constraint, but a genuine tool for performance, collaboration and control of investments.

Anticipate changes in public procurement with CADatWORK Learning.

Source

European Commission — “BIM and Public Procurement: State of Play, Impacts and Policy Recommendations for the Revision of the Public Procurement Directives”, Altaee and EU BIM Group, March 2026. DOI: 10.2873/6739163.

This article presents the findings and scenarios of the study, which do not at this stage constitute new regulatory obligations.