Wolf: "Speed counts in investments" - Thuringia secures €3.5 billion to modernize infrastructure by 2029
Thuringia is set to receive €2.5 billion in federal funding over the next twelve years. The state has also launched its own €1 billion investment programme for local governments, running until 2029. Finance Minister Katja Wolf is pushing for rapid progress, particularly as global tensions, like the Iran conflict, threaten to drive up costs.
The funds will target long-delayed projects in areas such as internal security, digital infrastructure, energy, education, and research. Thuringia plans to spend €633 million by the end of 2024—about a quarter of its federal allocation. An extra €75 million will go towards restructuring the state's hospital system.
Priority is being given to projects already in the planning stages to speed up implementation. Examples include €10 million for digitalising healthcare, €8 million for new low-floor public transport vehicles, and €16 million for upgrading the state data centre. The aim is to clear investment backlogs and improve conditions for both residents and businesses. Unlike some other German states, Thuringia is directing a significant portion of its funding straight to local governments. While states like Berlin and Brandenburg allocate federal money to ministries, Thuringia's approach ensures municipalities receive direct support for interest and repayments through 2029.
The combined €3.5 billion in federal and state funding marks a major push to modernise Thuringia's infrastructure. With rising costs a concern, officials are moving quickly to lock in investments. The focus remains on addressing long-standing gaps in public services and economic development.
