Press Release: Commission adopts communication on releasing the potential of public private partnerships

The Commission has set out a framework for encouraging the use of public private partnerships (PPPs) to meet existing and future needs for investment in public services, infrastructure and research in Europe. When properly managed in the current and future public interest, PPPs can bring immense benefits. Yet their use is still limited and many Member States have little experience with them. In line with the European Economic Recovery Plan, the Commission wants to give a fresh push to PPPs to encourage a more frequent and better use of PPPs at a time where innovative public financing solutions are needed to manage the challenges of tight national budgets. The decision on whether or not to use PPPs will remain entirely with national authorities. The Communication also covers options for improving the functioning of the EU's Joint Technology Initiatives, which are EU co-funded PPPs in key research areas.

European Commission: MEMO/09/509: Commission Communication on Public Private Partnerships - Frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/09/509&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

ESO: Background information: European Commission Website: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) http://www.europeansources.info/record/public-private-partnerships-ppp/

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