Final answer:
The bodies that come within the definition of 'Contracting Authorities' under the directive 2014/24/EU, The Public Sector Contracts Directive, include national, regional, and local authorities, public authorities that perform specific functions, associations of these authorities, public undertakings, and entities that are funded significantly by contracting authorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the directive 2014/24/EU, The Public Sector Contracts Directive, the definition of 'Contracting Authorities' encompasses various bodies.
These bodies include:
- National, regional, and local authorities: This includes government departments, municipalities, and other public entities at different levels of governance.
- Public authorities that perform specific functions: These are bodies that carry out public functions, such as health service providers, educational institutions, and public transport operators.
- Associations of these authorities: This refers to organizations formed by contracting authorities for joint procurement activities.
- Public undertakings: These are commercial enterprises owned or controlled by contracting authorities and are engaged primarily in the provision of goods, works, or services to the public.
- Entities that are funded significantly by contracting authorities: This includes entities that receive significant financial support from contracting authorities and whose activities are mainly devoted to providing goods, works, or services to the public.
It is important to note that the specific criteria and conditions for bodies to fall under the definition of contracting authorities may vary across different EU member states.