The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) has urged the current governing coalition to prioritize the closure of remaining gaps in the nation’s Autobahn (highway) network and to adjust planning regulations to facilitate this.
Peter Adrian, President of the DIHK, highlighted that “disconnected regions and gaps” in the highway system persist, with some sections missing 20 to 25 kilometers. He expressed frustration that the construction of these often short sections has been delayed for years, frequently hindered by protracted assessments and approvals.
Adrian proposed that closing these gaps be elevated to a priority status, mirroring the approach taken for the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure. He believes that a commitment to addressing these long-standing deficiencies would send a positive signal to both residents and businesses in affected regions, fostering economic benefit and demonstrating a commitment to equitable development.
Beyond expressway infrastructure, Adrian emphasized the need for a renewed focus on Germany’s rural areas and regions. He argued that these areas are often undervalued, representing not only natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, but also significant economic hubs.
According to Adrian, approximately half of Germany’s total gross value added originates in rural settings, with nearly two-thirds attributable to industrial output. Notably, 70% of Germany’s “Hidden Champions” – companies holding leading positions in global niche markets – are headquartered in rural locations. Adrian pointed out that regions like the Swabian Alb, Allgäu and Ostwestfalen-Lippe are key contributors to the German economy, demonstrating that global leadership isn’s solely driven by larger urban centers.
However, Adrian cautioned that businesses in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the ongoing skills shortage. He urged policymakers to place greater importance on regional development, ensuring access to essential public services, including reliable mobile network coverage, high-speed fiber optic internet, adequate medical care and dependable public transportation.
Adrian highlighted the stark disparity in digital infrastructure between urban and rural areas. While 86% of households in cities have access to broadband speeds of at least 1,000 Megabits per second, this figure drops to just 36% in rural locations. He stressed the need for both 5G technology and, crucially, fiber optic infrastructure to achieve comparable living standards across the country.
