German States Demand Infrastructure Fund to Tackle Decay
State transport ministers seek a multi-billion euro fund to revitalize aging roads, bridges, and railways across Germany.
- A unanimous decision by state transport ministers calls for a special infrastructure fund to address deteriorating transport networks.
- The proposed fund aims to be implemented in the next legislative period, with a commission to develop a legal framework.
- Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing supports a fund for federal roads but insists states manage their own infrastructure financing.
- Suggestions for funding include revenues from truck tolls, vehicle taxes, and CO2 pricing, with potential private sector contributions.
- Experts estimate a need for over 100 billion euros annually to meet infrastructure demands, especially at the municipal level.