Public Banks, Public Water: Exploring the Links in Europe

This book explores the potential of public banks to finance the expansion, democratization, and sustainability of public water services in Europe, with implications for public water financing elsewhere in the world. It aims to measure the scale and nature of interactions between public banks and public water operators, identify challenges and opportunities for deeper engagement, recognize promising practices, and assess possibilities for more democratic forms of public bank and public water interactions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the immense potential of public banks to play a pivotal role in financing the expansion, democratization, and sustainability of public water services across Europe, with far-reaching implications for public water financing worldwide. As we embark on the challenging journey towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 for water and sanitation, it becomes evident that the financial requirements will be staggering, relying heavily on the expertise and capabilities of public water operators. However, the question of where this substantial funding will originate remains a pressing concern. One promising avenue is public banks, which constitute just under 20% of global banking assets and hold close to $50 trillion in assets. These state-owned institutions have been mandated for decades to finance public water management and related public goods, making them well-positioned to contribute to this critical endeavor. Regrettably, despite a recent resurgence of interest in public banks, their roles and potential in funding public water services have been largely overlooked by researchers and policy makers.
In order to address this gap, this book sets out to accomplish several objectives. Firstly, it aims to quantify the scale and nature of interactions between public banks and public water operators in the European region. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, the book seeks to identify challenges and opportunities for deeper engagement between public banks and public water operators, recognizing promising practices that can be transferred to other regions. Furthermore, it endeavors to assess the possibilities for more democratic forms of public bank and public water interactions, fostering greater transparency, accountability, and public participation in the financing and management of public water services.
This volume is meticulously crafted to cater to a diverse audience, including students and researchers with a keen interest in political ecology, economy, development and cooperation, public policy, as well as water governance and management. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of Water International, a renowned journal in the field of water resources management. Each chapter offers insightful perspectives and valuable insights, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.
By exploring the role of public banks in financing public water services, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development and public finance. It sheds light on alternative financing mechanisms that can complement traditional sources of funding, promoting a more equitable and sustainable approach to water management. Moreover, it underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and collaboration in achieving water-related goals, as well as the need for policymakers to prioritize investments in water infrastructure and services.
In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of public water services and the role of public banks in shaping it. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the potential for public banks to finance the expansion, democratization, and sustainability of public water services in Europe, with implications for public water financing elsewhere in the world. By highlighting the roles and potential of public banks, this book empowers policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to explore new avenues for financing water-related projects and initiatives, ensuring a more secure and sustainable water future for generations to come.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 251 x 180 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032382777