Federal budget 2026

Economic expert Truger calls for tax increases to finance rising defense spending

The economist argues that higher, progressive taxes would distribute the burden of rising military spending more equitably.

By Robert Wallenhauer

German budget: Special Funds for climate and infrastructure will largely help to achieve climate goals

Contrary to some criticism, the majority of expenditure from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality and the Climate (SVIK) and Transformation Fund (KTF) will have a positive impact on achieving climate targets — despite very strict assessment criteria. This is according to an analysis by the German Sustainable Economy Association.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Electric car subsidy for low-income earners: The money is there, but a concept remains elusive.

The 2026 budget is set to allocate EUR 550 million to the planned electric car subsidy scheme for low and middle-income earners. However, it is still unclear who will receive how much and when the money will be made available.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Transport budget: Why the principle of “maintenance before new construction” can easily be circumvented in future

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Budget adjustment: These changes are planned for the defense budget

Whether it’s ammunition, clothing for the troops or aid for Ukraine: The budget committee’s review meeting on Thursday could result in billions of euros being shifted in the defense budget.

By Gabriel Bub and Robert Wallenhauer

Climate financing: slight increase, but future uncertain

Germany is still keeping its word when it comes to pledges for international climate financing. In 2024, EUR 11.8 billion were contributed, EUR 6.1 billion from the budget. But this is likely to change soon, with cuts looming.

By Lukas Knigge

Budget 2026: Federal Audit Office sees fulfillment of core mandate at risk

At the beginning of the budget week, the Federal Audit Office sent a report on the defense budget to the budget holders. Among other things, it criticizes the personnel budget.

By Wilhelmine Stenglin

Budget 2025: These are the most important points in the area of foreign and security policy

Today, Wednesday, the foreign and security policy budgets will be discussed in the Bundestag. Criticism is particularly strong with regard to the cuts in the development ministry.

By Wilhelmine Stenglin and Lisa-Martina Klein

Budget: Costs for emission allowances will not be shifted to the CTF after all

Following fierce criticism, the BMF has backtracked: the costs arising from the failure to meet EU climate targets will continue to be paid from the core budget and not from the CTF.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt