Finanzspritze: Hauptstadt Berlin bekommt mehr Geld vom Bund

Berlin will receive additional funding from the federal government for security and culture during its role as the capital. Representatives from both sides signed a new capital financing agreement valid from 2028 to 2037. Over this period, Berlin will have access to approximately five billion euros for capital-related expenses. Bundesfinanzminister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) stated, "Despite a tight budget, the Bund fulfills its responsibility for the capital fully."

The agreement stipulates that the federal government will provide Berlin with 2.9 billion euros for cultural institutions in ten years, an increase of about 350 million euros. Wolfram Weimer, the Minister of Culture, said the funding will be used to strengthen top music venues, recognize the Bauhaus legacy, develop Checkpoint Charlie as a memorial and educational site, and maintain the diversity of Berlin's cultural landscape.

The previous funding will either continue or be increased. More money will be allocated to the Berlin Philharmonic and the Opera Foundation, which includes the Deutsche Oper, the Komische Oper, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, and the Staatsballett. The Bund also agrees to contribute up to 225 million euros to the Philharmonie's renovation.

Security funding will rise from 1.1 to approximately 2.1 billion euros during the contract period, covering additional costs for police protection in the government district, near ministries and embassies, during demonstrations, for state visits, and higher personnel costs. The Bund acknowledges that security has significantly deteriorated in recent years and will support Berlin with 200 million euros each in 2028 and 2029, about 80 million more than before.

This support will increase by five million euros every two years, reaching 220 million euros by 2037.