The Trans-European Networks programme as encouragement of Public Private Partnerships in Europe and vice versa

Book excerpt: Diploma Thesis from the year 2006 in the subject Politics - Topic: European Union, grade: 1,5, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, language: English, abstract: The thesis at hand deals with the European programme Trans-European Networks (TEN) as support for infrastructure of a common interest for Europe in connection with Public Private Partnerships (PPPs or P3s). It will be shown that the former encourages the latter and the other way around and that this encouragement is inherent. This is also underlined by the area of applications for PPPs and TEN. Collaborations of public and private sector are not seen as a panacea, but it will be shown that there is much more to gain then to loose from this unconventional way of implementing infrastructure projects, which become more and more important. This is especially underlined through the need of investment in Europe’s infrastructure and tight budgets of the European Union and their member states at the same time. Furthermore, the gain of additional expertise, faster realisation and cost savings through synergetic effects are normally by-products of a rather commercial orientation. However, it is also stressed that such a participation of the private sector shall be accompanied by sharing unprofitable parts of projects, even if different types of Public Private Partnerships are used within such a project. Casting a light on the Trans-European Networks programme as a pillar of European regional policy, this view is supported. Around the world, P3s are used widely in different forms. Three examples will be presented according to the three sectors of TEN. As it is the norm, these different models leave space for inventive solutions to tackle individuality of projects. Rigid PPP structures on European level therefore are not recommended in this work. However, to deal with a variety of problems and to make use of a range of advantages at the same time, a compulsory use of Public Private Partnerships when implementing Trans-European Networks projects is advised.