Söder and Stocker: Controversial issues regarding transit in Vienna - solutions sought!

Söder and Stocker: Controversial issues regarding transit in Vienna - solutions sought!

On July 11, 2025, Markus Söder, the Bavarian Prime Minister, traveled to Vienna to meet with the new Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP). The main topic of the conversation was the transit dispute between Bavaria and Tyrol that has been going on for years. The discussion was particularly dominated by the problems surrounding truck block handling in the Inn Valley, which repeatedly leads to hours-long traffic jams due to excessive through traffic. In February 2022, Söder had already held an inconclusive meeting with then-Chancellor Karl Nehammer regarding similar issues. In a recent interview, he said that it was urgent time to find pragmatic solutions as the dispute was not showing any progress. The Tyrolean population suffers greatly from truck traffic and expects measures.

Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle is optimistic that serious discussions are being held about a slot system for trucks. Such a system could help to equalize traffic. Mattle points out that the number of trucks has increased significantly in recent years and that support from Berlin and Rome is necessary to sustainably relieve pressure on the Brenner corridor. Söder supports this initiative and urges that the German federal government also make an active contribution after the Union is back in government. Mercury reports that a toll to shift traffic to the Gotthardt route and a digital booking system for trucks were also discussed in the discussion, but have so far failed.

The Brenner as a central traffic axis

The Brenner Motorway, an important connection between Germany and Italy, not only attracts transit traffic, but is also under pressure from various controls and regulations. Tyrol and Bavaria have already introduced block handling and driving bans for trucks, which is causing dissatisfaction, especially during the construction season. courier reports that both Germany and Italy are dissatisfied with these measures and Italy has even filed a lawsuit in the European Court of Justice, while Bavaria supports the lawsuit against Austria.

At the same time, Chancellors Stocker and Söder emphasize the need for a rethink regarding asylum issues and the control of illegal migration at the external borders. This could also lead to an improvement in the traffic situation around the Brenner Pass. Stocker plans to discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Traffic measures and challenges

The challenges on the Brenner are increasing as the existing transport infrastructure needs to be renewed. The Brenner Base Tunnel, which is scheduled to be operational by 2032, could bring an improvement. But construction work has stalled, especially on the northern access route. IHK Munich points out that there is already a travel calendar for 2025 in transit route planning, which is intended to contribute to optimal planning for freight carriers and road users.

There are already numerous traffic regulations: truck driving bans on certain days as well as speed and weight controls are in force. In addition, the renovation of the Lueg Bridge will lead to severe disruptions from 2025, as it will have to be used in one lane. It is clear that the issue surrounding the Brenner Pass not only affects the Tyrolean area, but also has far-reaching consequences for all European transit traffic.