German Defense Minister Pistorius to oversee bridges, rail and tunnels for military logistics

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will gain authority to decide on the renovation of bridges, roads, tunnels and rail links that are deemed defence‑relevant. The move shifts roughly €4 billion of infrastructure spending into the defence budget for the coming year, preparing Germany to act as a logistical hub for NATO troop and equipment movements in the event of a Russian aggression against eastern‑flank states.

Pistorius will coordinate the choices with Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, prioritising routes capable of handling heavy military transports. The change is part of the federal budget drafted by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, which totals €555.4 billion, includes new debt of €118.7 billion and proposes extra revenues from a plastic levy and higher alcohol and tobacco taxes. The plan cites the “energy price shock” from the Iran‑Russia conflict as a factor in the fiscal outlook. The proposal is slated for cabinet approval before the upcoming NATO summit, where US President Donald Trump criticized German defence spending.