Often in civil law countries, concession laws are introduced to enable PPP projects to be carried out and to define the type of services that could be procured under PPPs. Specific PPP laws have been introduced in Belgium, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain, among others. These laws may focus on a specific sector (e.g. motorways) or may apply to PPP arrangements across sectors. When a country enacts a PPP law, it normally requires changes and references to other binding legislation and regulations.
A specific PPP law is not a necessary condition for PPP development. The legal framework can also be provided by changing existing legal provisions which may have an impact on the PPP project. For example, the UK has developed its pioneer PFI model with no PPP law, although specific legislation to confirm powers to enter into PPP contracts was introduced in respect of health service bodies and local authorities to address concerns expressed principally by funders. Nevertheless, PPP laws can establish fundamental principles that PPP arrangements should adhere to (for example, the need to assess value for money) and to ensure transparency and accountability in the provision of infrastructure.