Germany's reputation for impeccable efficiency and punctuality took a significant hit during the Euro 2024 football tournament, as fans from across Europe experienced unexpected challenges with the country's transportation system. The event, which saw thousands of supporters traveling between host cities, exposed glaring weaknesses in Germany's infrastructure, particularly its railway network operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB).
As football enthusiasts poured into Germany's major cities for the tournament, many were surprised to find that the country's rail services fell short of their expectations. Packed trains, frequent delays, and poor communication became common complaints among travelers. Thomas Concannon from the Football Supporters' Association reported being in constant contact with fans experiencing problems throughout the tournament. This stark reality contrasted sharply with the long-held perception of German efficiency, catching many visitors off guard.
The experiences of individual fans painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced. Lindsey and Darren Ramskill, who attended six of England's seven matches, encountered overcrowded trains, stop-start services, and inadequate information. Their experience was so disappointing that Lindsey remarked, I'm not moaning about British trains anymore. Ours are better. This sentiment was echoed by other international visitors, including Wiebe Wakker from the Netherlands, who described an unbearably hot carriage with non-functioning air conditioning during his journey out of Dortmund after the England vs. Netherlands semi-final.
The issues experienced during Euro 2024 are symptomatic of deeper, long-standing problems within Germany's transportation infrastructure. Deutsche Bahn's performance has been a source of frustration for Germans for years, with only 64% of long-distance trains running on time in 2023. This figure, while comparable to some other European countries, falls short of the high standards traditionally associated with German engineering and organization.
The root of these problems lies in years of underinvestment in both public and private infrastructure. Professor Hubertus Bardt from the German Economic Institute (IW) points out that the railway system has undergone a piecemeal approach to repairs, which causes delays and doesn't really solve the problems. This lack of comprehensive investment extends beyond railways to other critical infrastructure, including thousands of bridges in need of renovation or rebuilding, particularly in western Germany.
The situation reflects a broader challenge facing Europe's largest economy. Germany's struggle to modernize its infrastructure and digitize its economy, coupled with bureaucratic red tape, has hampered its economic growth. The country is projected to grow by just 0.2% in 2024, according to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, placing it at the bottom of G7 economies.
Despite these challenges, Euro 2024 wasn't without its positive aspects. Fans praised the sensational pricing deals, which included discounted or free local travel for ticket holders as part of a sustainability initiative. This approach demonstrated Germany's commitment to environmental concerns and provided some relief for traveling supporters. However, these benefits were overshadowed by the broader transportation issues experienced throughout the tournament.
The Euro 2024 experience has served as a wake-up call for Germany, highlighting the urgent need for substantial investment in its infrastructure. As the country grapples with these challenges, it faces the task of not only improving its transportation systems but also addressing the wider economic and technological hurdles that threaten its position as a leading global economy. The tournament may have tarnished Germany's reputation for efficiency, but it has also provided a valuable opportunity for reflection and, potentially, a catalyst for much-needed change.
