The transportation ministers of the eastern German states plan to announce the results of their working meeting in Gera on Friday (3:00 p.m.). Since Thursday, the ministers have been coordinating their joint positions vis-à-vis the federal government. The focus was on key issues shaping the future of mobility—from autonomous driving and rail financing to the expansion of transportation infrastructure in rural regions.
Among other things, the states aim to pool their expertise in autonomous and connected driving and develop eastern Germany into a region of innovation. At the same time, they are pushing for reliable funding for rail transport and relief from the sharp rise in track access charges. Long-distance transportation across the country is also to be secured.
In addition, the transportation ministers addressed demographic change and flexible mobility options, as well as increased support for municipal transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, joint priorities for addressing infrastructure deficits were to be established.