Why public-private partnerships are no solution to multiple global crises

This is the second report in the European Network on Debt and Development's (Eurodad) History RePPPeated series. Since the publication of the first report, the context for the continued promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) has become even more complex and uncertain. In early 2020, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted how market-based models cannot be relied upon to deliver on human rights such as health, education and water provision, and the fight against inequalities. In 2022, the upsurge in the cost of living, the energy crisis and the climate crisis have further highlighted the failures of the current economic model and the urgent need to build a different one.

In the seven case studies in this report, Eurodad find that PPPs have failed on many different levels, with serious negative impacts on the citizens of countries from Spain to Nepal. These impacts have risked compromising the fulfilment of fundamental rights, and undermining the fight against inequalities and climate change.

This joint CSO report is co-signed by Counter Balance and raises a call to action to all concerned with justice, equality and sustainability. In the wake of multiple and interconnected crises, the promotion of PPPs is a false solution that needs to be challenged with a strong call for public services.

You can read the summary here or the full report below.