European Experience of Public-Private Partnership in the Road Sector

In the current conditions of modernization of transport infrastructure and limited budget resources, public-private partnership is considered one of the key instruments for attracting investments in the road sector. In the countries of the European Union, significant experience has been gained in using various PPP models that combine the interests of the state and the private sector to ensure high-quality construction, operation and maintenance of highways. The relevance of the chosen research topic is due to the need to adapt European practices to Ukrainian realities, given the need for effective development of road infrastructure and increasing its competitiveness. The purpose of the article is to study the European experience of implementing PPP projects in the road sector. The study uses a comparative analysis of European legislation and practice of implementing PPPs in the road sector, systematization of partnership forms and models, as well as generalization of the positive results of implemented projects. The analysis showed that in the EU countries the most common are concession models, DBFO (Design-Build-Finance-Operate) agreements, as well as long-term road maintenance contracts. The key success factors were a transparent regulatory framework, effective risk sharing between the parties, guaranteed financial obligations of the state and the use of innovative approaches to road infrastructure management. The experience of France, Germany, Spain and Poland shows that, provided that PPP is properly regulated, it contributes not only to the construction of new transport arteries, but also ensures their high-quality service, which has a positive effect on population mobility, economic integration and increasing the investment attractiveness of regions. European experience proves that public-private partnership in the road sector is an effective mechanism for infrastructure development under conditions of proper regulatory support, transparency of tender procedures and a clear definition of the responsibilities of participants. An important task for Ukraine is the adaptation of best European practices taking into account national characteristics, which will allow to increase the efficiency of investment use, reduce the burden on the state budget and ensure the sustainable functioning of the road network.