Merz gives North German states hope for more money for ports - Merz Pledges More Federal Support for Northern German Ports
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged more federal support for the northern German states' ports, acknowledging their vital role in Germany's export-driven economy. This comes after State Premier Manuela Schwesig argued for their structural indispensability and requested additional aid.
Merz, while not providing concrete promises, agreed that the seaports are of existential importance to Germany's export industry. He committed to increased assistance for necessary investments in the ports.
The Central Association of German Seaport Operators and the German Trade Union Confederation have called for an annual allocation of €500 million for port maintenance, modernization, and digitalization. Currently, the annual allocation stands at €38 million. The estimated total investment required for ports amounts to around €15 billion.
Chancellor Merz's recognition of the northern German states' ports as structurally indispensable to the country's economy signals a potential shift in federal priorities. The promised increased support, though not yet concrete, aligns with the industry's call for substantial investment to maintain, modernize, and digitalize the ports.
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