Budget: Berlin gets five billion euros for security and culture

In its role as capital, Berlin receives more money from the Federal Government for Security and Culture. Representatives from both sides signed a new capital financing agreement that will apply from 2028 to 2037.

During this time, Berlin has around five billion euros available for capital-related expenses. “Despite the strained budget situation, the federal government is fully meeting its responsibility for the capital,” said Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD).

The contract stipulates that the federal government will provide 2.9 billion euros for Berlin's cultural institutions over ten years - an increase of around 350 million euros. “We are strengthening outstanding music institutions, honoring the Bauhaus legacy, further developing Checkpoint Charlie as a place of remembrance and education, and securing the diversity of Berlin’s cultural landscape with the Capital Cultural Fund,” said Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer.

The current funding should either be continued or increased. According to the information, there is more money for the Berlin Philharmonic and for the Opera Foundation, which includes, among others, the Deutsche Oper, the Komische Oper, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and the Staatsballett.

The federal government has also agreed to contribute up to 225 million euros to the renovation of the Philharmonic Hall. The Bauhaus Archive is receiving new funding.

One billion euros more for security

The security subsidy will increase from 1.1 to approximately 2.1 billion euros over the contract period. This is intended to cover additional costs for police protection in the government district, in front of ministries and embassies, for accompanying demonstrations, for state visits and also higher personnel costs. The federal government recognizes that the security situation has worsened significantly in recent years.

Specifically, it is supporting the state of Berlin with 200 million euros in the area of ​​security in 2028 and 2029 - around 80 million more than before. After that, the subsidy should increase by five million every two years, i.e. amount to 205 million euros in 2030 and 2031 and grow to 220 million euros by 2037.