Bundestag discusses controversial motorway reform

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger speaks of additional investments in the maintenance and expansion of the motorways - critics warn of a new pot of debt: A planned reform for new financing of the federally owned Autobahn GmbH is controversial. A federal government bill has now been discussed in the Bundestag for the first time.

“The need for investment is and remains high,” said Bilger in the debate. "Bridges have to be replaced, roadways have to be renewed, bottlenecks have to be eliminated. Such projects need one thing above all: reliability." Those who build infrastructure for decades should not only think about the next budget, said the CDU politician. The reform creates the basis for additional investments in the maintenance and expansion of highways. This would allow projects to be planned, financed and implemented more reliably.

Responsible for 13,000 kilometers of highway

The federal Autobahn GmbH is responsible for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of motorways in Germany. The network covers around 13,000 kilometers. So far, Autobahn GmbH has been financed from the federal budget; it receives funds for investments, operating and administrative expenses. There is also money from the debt-financed special fund to modernize the infrastructure to maintain bridges. According to the Federal Audit Office, the draft budget for 2027 provides funds totaling around 10.3 billion euros for Autobahn GmbH.

The Federal Ministry of Transport sees “significant financial challenges” in the coming years in order to meet the increasing need for renovation, as the draft law states. In concrete terms, this means: There is a lack of money, especially for the expansion and construction of motorway projects.

Autobahn GmbH should be allowed to take out loans

The government's goal is to provide reliable and sustainable financing for federal highways. This should lead to more planning security for the construction industry too. Bridges, tunnels and roadways are built and maintained over years and do not fit into the rhythm of a single financial year, said Michael Güntner, CEO of Autobahn GmbH.

In the future, the financing of the GmbH will be based on three pillars: budget funds, user financing and private capital. The motorway should have “limited creditworthiness”. From 2027 onwards it should be able to take out loans and issue bonds. The limitation refers to the fact that the borrowed capital may only be used for investments and planning services.

In addition, Autobahn GmbH should receive income from the truck toll from 2028. Specifically, it is about the so-called infrastructure share, which currently amounts to around 4.5 billion euros per year. Expenses for Autobahn GmbH in the budget should be reduced accordingly.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the new financing is intended to create more opportunities for the use of so-called public-private partnerships. The federal government works together with companies. However, the federal government remains the sole owner of the motorways.

Opposition speaks of a new shadow budget

AfD MP Stefan Henze warned against shifting debts and risks to a federally owned company. The draft law does not provide for an upper limit for Autobahn GmbH's debt. There should also be less parliamentary control. Henze spoke of another shadow household. The Green Party's housekeeper Paula Piechotta said the government was reaching for the next pot of debt.

Left-wing MP Jorrit Bosch called the federal government's plans expensive and risky. The federal government wants to send Autobahn GmbH to the bank, even though no one can borrow money more cheaply than the federal government. “Private financing doesn’t make our infrastructure cheaper, it makes it more expensive.”

The Federal Audit Office sees many open questions

The Federal Audit Office also warns against the plans. In the future, Autobahn GmbH should be able to borrow from the federal government “without security” for investments, according to a report to the budget committee. Only her proportionate income from the truck toll would be available to her for interest and repayment. The draft law does not represent the debt-bearing capacity of Autobahn GmbH or its expected indebtedness over time. There is also no regulation as to the amount of loans the company is allowed to take out.