(de-news.net) – Following the agreement between the Union and SPD on a 500-billion-euro special fund for infrastructure modernization, additional demands have emerged from the Union. Christoph Ploß, a CDU/CSU parliamentary representative on the Bundestag’s Transport Committee, emphasized that reforms to planning laws would be essential to expedite the allocation of funds. He argued that infrastructure projects in Germany often face significant delays, sometimes spanning decades, due to legal challenges. Ploß asserted that restricting the right of associations to file lawsuits was indispensable for progress. He further described the proposed infrastructure package as a historic opportunity to implement urgently needed rail, port, and highway projects in Germany, which could stimulate economic growth in the country.

The Bundestag is expected to hold its first reading on the constitutional amendments proposed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz on March 13, with the final vote anticipated on March 17. Following the initial reading, the relevant committees may conclude their deliberations on March 14. Subsequently, the second and third readings are likely to occur on March 17, with the Bundesrat potentially voting on March 21.