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The quality of motorways in Europe varies greatly from country to country, depending on investments, maintenance and traffic density.

While the Netherlands is often praised for its excellent infrastructure, other countries lag behind. These differences illustrate how strongly policy and financial priorities influence the state of the European road network.

The Netherlands scores 6,4 out of 7 according to a report by the World Economic Forum, the best in Europe. The well-maintained asphalt, the clear signage and the efficient traffic flow make the Dutch motorways an example for other countries. Thanks to consistent investments in infrastructure, not only is the quality guaranteed, but also the safety of road users is increased.

In Germany, the situation is different. The Autobahnen, famous for their sections without speed limits, attract both praise and criticism. Although these roads are generally of good quality, frequent roadworks and high traffic volumes often cause traffic jams. TomTom data shows that the average speed on German autobahns is around 125 km/h, just below the recommended speed of 130 km/h. Nevertheless, the infrastructure remains robust, and the absence of a nationwide speed limit makes Germany unique in Europe.

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France
Photo: © Pitane Blue - France

France has an extensive network of toll roads, known as autoroutes, which are known for being quiet and well-maintained. However, tolls can be high, leading some drivers to opt for secondary roads. With a speed limit of 130 km/h, and 110 km/h in the rain, French motorways remain attractive, but the high costs are a point of contention among travellers.

Spain has invested heavily in its road network in recent decades, resulting in modern and well-maintained highways. The country distinguishes itself with toll roads (autopistas) and toll-free roads (autovías). With a speed limit of 120 km/h, these roads are safe and efficient, although the affordability of toll roads remains a sore point for some Spanish drivers.

In Eastern Europe, the quality of motorways often leaves much to be desired. Moldova, with a score of only 2,6 out of 7, is one of the worst-rated countries on the continent. There is also much room for improvement in countries such as Romania and Ukraine. Poor maintenance and limited investment are hampering rapid modernisation of the infrastructure. These differences highlight the gap between Western and Eastern Europe in terms of road network quality.

To close the gap and harmonise the quality of the European road network, the European Union plays an active role. The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is an ambitious project that aims to connect and improve the main roads, railways, airports and waterways. A notable initiative within this programme is the installation of fast-charging hubs for electric vehicles, which are to appear every 2035 kilometres of the motorway network by 60. This plan underlines the focus on sustainability and innovation within the European mobility sector.

New EU rules to improve road safety were also introduced in 2019. These directives, which now also cover motorways and major roads outside the TEN-T network, aim to improve the design and maintenance of roads, tunnels and bridges. With these measures, the EU hopes to drastically reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries on European roads.

While countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland are setting the bar high with their infrastructure, other regions still have a long way to go. European collaborations like TEN-T and the tightened guidelines play a crucial role in reducing the gaps and building a safer, more sustainable and efficient road network.

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