Germany is embarking on a race to catch up on its neglected infrastructure. A debt package of 500 billion euros provides the necessary financial foundation. However, having a lot of money is only the first step. Spending it successfully — i.e. effectively, quickly, and in a targeted manner — is the more difficult task. In a short report for the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Michael Thöne examines the biggest obstacles to implementation, suggests solutions and outlines what we need to change – including ourselves. The Handelsblatt reports. Link to the study and to the online event presenting the study on 9 December 2025 is available.