eigenbetriebenen

Eigenbetriebe, or Eigenbetriebe in plural, are a form of public-law enterprise used within German municipalities and other public authorities. They operate to fulfill public tasks and services while remaining part of the public administration. Unlike private companies, they do not have independent legal personality; their assets and liabilities typically remain under the umbrella of the municipality, and their accounting is kept separate from the general municipal budget.

Legal basis and financing are rooted in municipal law. Eigenbetriebe are created by a municipal decision and managed as organizational units within the municipality. They are financed primarily through user charges and service revenues, rather than through general tax funding. Investments may be funded from the municipal budget or borrowed with consent from the municipal council. Although they can generate profits, earnings generally flow back to the municipality, and the enterprise remains subject to public-law oversight and control.

Governance structures usually include a managerial head (such as a Betriebsleiter or Geschäftsführer) and internal reporting to a municipal authority. Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be an supervisory committee or the city council itself that has ultimate oversight. The management is expected to operate with a focus on efficiency and cost recovery, while fulfilling public service obligations and maintaining statutory standards.

Typical areas of operation for Eigenbetriebe include utilities and infrastructure services such as water supply, waste management, and sometimes parts of municipal transport or housing administration. In some cases, municipalities convert larger or strategically important units into private-law entities (for example, Stadtwerke as GmbHs) to gain broader financing possibilities and market-oriented flexibility, while still serving public interests.

Overall, Eigenbetriebe represent a governance model balancing public accountability with managerial autonomy, aimed at delivering public services efficiently within the framework of public law.