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The German Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, presented the cabinet decision on the federal budget for 2027 on July 6, 2026, which includes a significant increase in investments in transport infrastructure. In light of the budgetary challenges, Schnieder emphasized the necessity of addressing the backlog of repairs and strategically investing in the new construction and expansion of infrastructure. The minister highlighted that, despite the pressure for consolidation, investments in transport infrastructure can still be made at a high level.
Investments in transport infrastructure
A total of approximately 170 billion EUR is available for transport investments for the legislative period from 2025 to 2029. In 2027, around 33.7 billion EUR is planned, representing an increase of nearly 640 million EUR compared to the previous financial planning. The funds are distributed across various areas: about 20.8 billion EUR is allocated for rail, 11.2 billion EUR for federal highways, and 1.7 billion EUR for waterways. There are no funds allocated for aviation-related infrastructures. Schnieder described the upcoming measures as a step towards a comeback of infrastructure.
The investments are part of a comprehensive plan that also includes the digitization of infrastructure. The minister announced that starting in 2027, the maintenance of waterways will also be financed from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK). This special fund was established the previous year to enable targeted investments in the maintenance and digitization of infrastructure.
Increase in funds for waterways
The Federal Association of German Inland Navigation (BDB) welcomed the decision to allocate 1.2 billion EUR from the special fund for maintenance and replacement measures on rivers and canals. Additionally, around 264 million EUR is planned in the regular federal budget. These funds are intended, among other things, for measures on important waterways such as the Rhine, Main, Neckar, and Danube.
BDB Managing Director Jens Schwanen expressed his satisfaction with the federal government’s budget plans and emphasized the urgency of the measures. He pointed out that the pressure for action is high due to the age of the structures and the need for repairs. Companies in the economy and industry rely on a functioning waterways infrastructure to ensure the planning and reliability of freight shipping.
Despite the positive developments, the BDB also expressed concerns regarding planned budget cuts in the area of trade promotion, particularly in training and further education assistance as well as fleet modernization. These approaches are to be reduced by half, which, according to the BDB, requires further discussion in the parliamentary process.
The measures to improve waterways infrastructure are part of a comprehensive plan that also includes the modernization of outdated locks and the deepening of fairways to maintain shipping even at low water levels.
