Regulation 14. Specific exclusions

(a) contracts for which the application of these regulations would oblige the competent authorities to supply information the disclosure of which it considers contrary to the essential interests of the security of the country;

(b) contracts for the purposes of intelligence activities;

(c) contracts awarded in the framework of a cooperative programme based on research and development, conducted jointly by Malta and at least another Member State for the development of a new product and, where applicable, the later phases of all or part of the life-cycle of this product. Upon the conclusion of such a cooperative programme between Malta and other Member States only, Member States shall indicate to the Commission the share of research and development expenditure relative to the overall cost of the programme, the cost-sharing agreement as well as the intended share of purchases per Member State, if any;

(d) contracts awarded in a third country, including for civil purchases, carried out when forces are deployed outside the territory of the European Union where operational needs require them to be concluded with economic operators located in the area of operations;

(e) service contracts for the acquisition or rental, under whatever financial arrangements, of land, existing buildings or other immovable property, or concerning rights in respect thereof;

(f) contracts awarded by the Maltese government to another government relating to:

(i) the supply of military equipment or sensitive equipment,

(ii) works and services directly linked to such equipment, or

(iii) works and services specifically for military purposes, or sensitive works and sensitive services;

(g) arbitration and conciliation services;

(h) financial services, with the exception of insurance services;

(i) employment contracts;

(j) research and development services other than those where the benefits accrue exclusively to the contracting authority or entity for its use in the conduct of its own affairs, on condition that the service provided is wholly remunerated by the contracting authority or entity.