Construction of roads and housing projects in Germany is being significantly hampered by excessive bureaucratic processes, according to Jörg Rösler, a board member at construction firm Strabag.
Rösler acknowledged the assessment of the Federal Chancellor, referring to the current system as a “monster” of bureaucracy. He highlighted the inefficiencies of procedures such as requiring new planning approval processes even when replacing structurally deficient bridges, situations where the outcome is predetermined.
The executive also pointed to the extensive opportunities for objections afforded to citizens, municipalities and associations, which he stated consume substantial time and resources. He expressed concern over the slow adoption of digital building permit applications, noting that only 594 municipalities currently utilize the system. Furthermore, he criticized the lack of standardization across German states, citing that six of the sixteen federal states operate independently, creating further complexities.
Rösler emphasized a stark imbalance in project timelines, with approximately 85% of time dedicated to the approval phase and only 15% allocated to the actual construction. He urged a streamlining of all processes to accelerate both road and housing construction, suggesting a fundamental shift is necessary to improve overall efficiency.
