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entreprise publique
/ɑ̃tʁəpʁiz pyblik/
public enterprise
L'État a créé une nouvelle entreprise publique pour gérer les transports en commun.
The state created a new public enterprise to manage public transport.
Business
formal
A business or company owned, controlled, or operated by a government entity.
La SNCF est une entreprise publique française.
SNCF is a French public enterprise.
Les entreprises publiques jouent un rôle clé dans l'économie nationale.
Public enterprises play a key role in the national economy.
In France, public enterprises are often created to manage essential services like transportation, energy, or postal services. They are subject to public law and government oversight.
Law
formal
A state-owned company or corporation.
Les entreprises publiques sont soumises à des règles de transparence spécifiques.
Public enterprises are subject to specific transparency rules.
Public enterprises are distinct from private enterprises in their governance and accountability structures.
Collocations
entreprise publique nationalenational public enterprisegestion d'une entreprise publiquemanagement of a public enterpriseprivatisation d'une entreprise publiqueprivatization of a public enterprise
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing from 'service public'
An 'entreprise publique' is a commercial entity owned by the state, while a 'service public' refers to a public service mission (e.g., education, healthcare) that may be provided by either public or private entities.
Gold Rule
Government control
An 'entreprise publique' is characterized by significant government ownership or control, often with a mandate to serve public interests rather than maximize profits.
Word Origin
The term combines 'entreprise' (from Old French 'entreprendre', meaning 'to undertake') and 'publique' (from Latin 'publicus', meaning 'of the people'). The phrase emerged in the 19th century as governments began directly managing economic activities.
Usage Notes
In French administrative law, 'entreprise publique' is distinct from 'administration publique' (public administration). The former refers to commercial activities, while the latter refers to non-commercial government functions. Public enterprises often operate under a 'contrat de plan État-entreprise' (state-enterprise plan contract) in France.
Word Breakdown
entreprise
business or company
nounpublique
public
adjectiveDictionnaire Français-Anglais