The Federal Minister for Transport, Patrick Schnieder, has called for adjustments to the parliamentary process concerning the 2026 federal budget. During Tuesday’s budget debate in the Bundestag, Minister Schnieder expressed that the current special asset structure is not providing the necessary flexibility to manage crucial transport infrastructure investments.
He emphasized the need to deliver results across all modes of transportation and throughout the nation’s infrastructure, highlighting a shift in funding architecture that now incorporates a larger proportion of investment funds outside of the traditional transport budget. This necessitates a collaborative approach, as the demands on the ministry have significantly increased.
Minister Schnieder conveyed confidence in finding a mutually agreeable solution, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing planning certainty for citizens and businesses. He reiterated the goal of modernizing both road and rail networks nationwide.
The urgency of the situation is amplified by the rapid depletion of available funds within the road construction sector, a marked difference from previous years. Minister Schnieder noted that construction firms are prepared to begin work, but a more adaptable framework is required to ensure efficient resource allocation. He indicated that adjustments to the parliamentary procedure will focus on enhancing the flexibility of transport investments, as the existing structure of the special asset is currently limiting its potential.
