(de-news.net) Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has drawn attention to substantial financial constraints amid ongoing deliberations concerning the expansion of Germany’s motorway and trunk road network. He expressed concern regarding the feasibility of implementing long-planned, construction-ready projects under prevailing fiscal conditions. In a rare public admission, he acknowledged that the federal government’s current financial framework for new road infrastructure projects is insufficient. He argued that the projected 15-billion-euros shortfall for the period 2026 to 2029 necessitates further scrutiny within the ongoing budgetary consultations.

This position stands in contrast to that of Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), who had previously dismissed suggestions of a new funding gap. Klingbeil referred to the special fund established to provide the transport ministry with financial latitude, while underscoring that the responsibility for its allocation rests with Schnieder’s office.

Schnieder raised concerns about the diversion of maintenance funds from the transport budget into the special fund, asserting that adequate financing is essential to fulfil transport policy objectives. From 2026 onward, the federal government intends to transfer over 10 billion euros from the core budget into the special fund. However, as these resources are primarily earmarked for maintenance and bridge construction, future expansion and new infrastructure projects will be dependent on a significantly reduced transport budget.