Overview

• The Bundesrat passed the constitutional amendment with 53 votes, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of 46 votes.
• The reform enables Germany to borrow beyond the debt brake for defense, cybersecurity, and civil protection, exceeding 1% of GDP annually.
• A 500-billion-euro special fund for infrastructure was approved, with 100 billion euros earmarked for climate protection and green economy initiatives.
• Abstentions from FDP and BSW-led states were noted, but they did not prevent the measure from achieving the necessary majority.
• The amendment now awaits President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's signature to be enacted, with implementation plans for spending to follow.