Private Partnerships and Public Networks in Europe

The Federal Trust established in 1996 a high level group to study how to expediate the construction of Trans-European Networks (TENS) in transport, energy and information technology. This study group report looks at the role and potential of public-private partnerships in the financing, delivery and operation of infrastructure investment in the EU. It examines best practice in Europe and elsewhere and analyzes the problems inherent in cross-border projects. The report makes policy recommendations with the objective of accelerating the development of public infrastructure on the basis of private expertise and finance. Innovative ways of managing public and private finance are also explored, including public equity and electronic tolls. The study group has concluded that a special European Infrastructure Agency should be established with powers to establish a common methodology and to drive the TENs programme forward. The report recommends this proposal to the IGC.