Overview

• The Bundesrat declined to call the mediation committee, sending the budget to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for signature.
• The 2025 plan sets €502.5 billion in expenditures with €81.8 billion in new federal borrowing, rising above €140 billion when defense and infrastructure debt are included.
• Lawmakers also created a €500 billion special fund for infrastructure and climate projects, including €100 billion earmarked for the Länder.
• A budget-accompanying law carves out defense and civil-protection spending exceeding 1% of GDP from Germany's debt-brake rules.
• State leaders, including Brandenburg’s Dietmar Woidke, pressed for swift disbursement and faster approvals, warning of political fallout if projects stall.