Public–Private Collaboration in the European Framework

Public–private collaboration has become an important governance mechanism within the European framework, particularly in the context of fiscal constraints and growing infrastructure and public service needs. This article employs public–private collaboration as an umbrella concept, encompassing public–private partnerships, concessions, and other hybrid governance arrangements involving cooperation between public authorities and private entities. The article addresses the need for conceptual clarity between concessions and PPPs within European governance frameworks. The study is based on a qualitative literature review of academic publications and institutional reports relevant to the European Union. Through a structured analysis, the paper examines the conceptual and legal foundations of public–private collaboration, with a focus on concessions and public–private partnerships, as well as their institutional and governance implications. The findings suggest that public–private collaboration can support long-term investment, risk sharing, and efficiency in the provision of public infrastructure and services, provided that appropriate legal frameworks, institutional capacity, and transparency mechanisms are in place. The article contributes to the academic and policy debate on hybrid governance arrangements in the European context.