Wolf: "Speed counts in investments" - Thuringia secures €2.5 billion to modernise infrastructure and public services

Thuringia is set to receive around €2.5 billion from the federal government's special infrastructure and climate fund by 2036. The state plans to use the money to tackle long-delayed investments and improve public services. Officials have already outlined key projects to speed up spending in critical areas.

The funds will flow into sectors like internal security, digitalisation, energy, education, and research. Among the first projects are €10 million for digital healthcare upgrades, €8 million for low-floor public transport vehicles, and €16 million for renovating the state data centre. An extra €75 million has also been allocated to restructure Thuringia's hospital system.

The state is prioritising initiatives that were already in development to avoid delays. This year and next, €633 million will be spent on projects that would otherwise struggle for funding. Finance Minister Katja Wolf stressed the need for rapid investment, pointing to global tensions like the conflict in Iran as a reason to act quickly.

To help local governments, Thuringia is launching a separate €1 billion programme through 2029. This fund will cover interest and repayments, allowing municipalities to access money with minimal red tape.

The €2.5 billion injection aims to clear investment backlogs and boost conditions for residents and businesses. With a mix of immediate projects and long-term planning, Thuringia expects to modernise infrastructure and services over the next twelve years. The state's separate €1 billion scheme will also support faster local improvements with reduced bureaucracy.