Concessiegelden

Concessiegelden are payments made by private parties to a public authority in exchange for the right to operate a concession—an exclusive or priority right to use a public asset, service, or resource for a defined period. They function as government revenue and are typically governed by a concession contract that sets the rights granted, the duration, performance requirements, and the payment terms. Fees can be upfront, recurring (such as annual payments), or variable, sometimes including a share of turnover or usage-based charges.

Concessiegelden cover a wide range of activities. Common examples include concessions to operate shops, catering, or other services at public spaces or events; concessions for beach or park facilities; rights to use or develop waterfronts, museums, or parking facilities; and licenses to exploit natural resources or install infrastructure on public land. In many countries, concession arrangements are part of broader public-private partnerships and are subject to procurement rules.

Procurement and governance typically require competitive processes to award concessions, transparency in terms, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Revenue from concessiegelden is recorded as public sector income and contributes to funding public services. The structure and size of concession fees can influence both public revenue and the attractiveness of the concession for private operators, highlighting the importance of balanced, well-regulated agreements.

See also: concession contract, public-private partnership, licensing.