Massive financial discrepancies jeopardize upcoming highway developments in the northern region
Schleswig-Holstein's Minister-President Urges Federal Government for Adequate Infrastructure Funding
Schleswig-Holstein's Minister-President, Daniel Günther (CDU), has expressed his concerns about the current plans by the federal government to cut costs on important transport projects in the state. Günther's comments indicate a demand for adequate financing for the construction and renovation of highways, and a call for action to address the funding gap.
The A20 near Bad Segeberg, the A21 between Kiel and Wellseedamm, and the A25 for the Geesthacht bypass are among the projects affected in Schleswig-Holstein. According to Günther, these projects may be delayed due to a funding gap of approximately 15 billion euros for federal highways from 2026 to 2029.
The German federal government has established a 500 billion euro special fund ("Sondervermögen") intended for the maintenance and preservation of infrastructure, including federal roads. However, this fund is primarily allocated for upkeep, and significant financing gaps remain for the expansion and renovation projects.
Günther has emphasized that the funds should be used purposefully and not wasted in the budget. He states that the funds from the special assets should be used to set clear priorities for growth by making investments in the expansion and modernization of transport infrastructure.
The states are urging the federal government to provide adequate financing for the expansion, maintenance, and renovation of federal transport infrastructure. Günther expects a change of course from the federal government regarding adequate financing for transport infrastructure projects in Schleswig-Holstein.
The Federal Ministry of Transport's plan could delay 74 projects for highway construction and renovation, which threatens significant delays or standstill in the construction and expansion of federal highways, railways, and waterways.
According to the Transport Ministers' Conference in Munich, the federal budget 2025 and the current draft of the federal budget 2026 are insufficient to meet the promises in the coalition agreement. Günther states that the people in Schleswig-Holstein expect the funds to be used effectively, and projects like the A20 should not be continually delayed.
The Minister-President's comments suggest a focus on the importance of prioritizing growth and infrastructure development in Schleswig-Holstein. Günther's comments also indicate a concern for the effective and efficient use of funds for transport infrastructure projects in the state. He has urged the federal government to prioritize the needs of Schleswig-Holstein in its funding decisions for these projects.
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