Public-Private Partnerships in Southeast Europe

The regional study titled “Public-Private Partnerships and Concessions in Southeast Europe: Can Infrastructure Be Improved Without Increasing Public Debt?” revealed that public-private partnerships in the region face significant structural challenges. The research identified weaknesses in the legislative framework, institutional capacities, and implementation of the rule of law.

The analysis noted persistent problems in all examined countries: lack of transparency in PPP projects, lack of capacity for preparation and management of such initiatives, as well as weak decision-making processes. Deficiencies in quality assurance limit evidence in relation to the assessment of “value for money”.

Furthermore, debt financing of public-private partnerships is often categorized as private rather than public debt, despite the fact that repayment obligations ultimately fall on public authorities.