Germany has unveiled a €500 billion infrastructure modernization plan to address decades of underinvestment, but experts warn that funding alone won't resolve the nation's deep-rooted challenges. The initiative aims to overhaul aging bridges, railways, and digital networks, with €100 billion earmarked for climate-related projects like renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure.
However, systemic issues such as bureaucratic delays, a shortage of skilled workers, and outdated planning processes threaten to impede progress. The collapse of Dresden's Carola Bridge in 2024 highlighted the urgency, revealing that approximately 5,000 bridges require immediate attention.
Business leaders support the investment but emphasize the need for regulatory reforms to streamline project approvals and address labor shortages . Without tackling these structural obstacles, Germany risks falling short of its modernization goals.
Source:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250521-germany-s-infrastructure-push-needs-more-than-money