A shortfall in funding has emerged for planned expansions of Germany’s autobahns and federal roads, prompting Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder to acknowledge the need for increased investment.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Minister Schnieder stated, “It’s inexplicable that construction-ready projects, which we have planned for years, cannot now be built”. He publicly conceded that, under the current government financial planning, funds for new road construction projects are insufficient.
Schnieder indicated a projected deficit of approximately €15 billion for federal highways between 2026 and 2029. He expressed a desire to see increased allocations during ongoing budget negotiations.
The statement directly contrasts with recent remarks from Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who previously dismissed claims of a funding gap. Klingbeil previously emphasized the potential of a special fund to facilitate major infrastructure improvements.
Minister Schnieder voiced concern that funds previously allocated for infrastructure maintenance have been redirected to the special fund, complicating the allocation of resources. He stressed that previously established transport priorities require adequate funding to be fulfilled.
The 2026 federal budget includes the transfer of over €10 billion from the main budget to the special fund. This shift presents challenges in expenditures due to limitations on the special fund’s scope, which is primarily designated for infrastructure preservation, bridge construction and rail network maintenance. Funding for new construction projects will be drawn from the subsequently reduced transport budget.
