Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Germany’s Kulturpass Halted After Audit Finds No Federal Funding Mandate

Cultural groups now press for youth‑culture support through other tools, including book tax cuts.

Vor zwei Jahren ging der Kulturpass an den Start
Image
Image

Overview

  • Germany’s audit office said the federal government lacks constitutional authority to finance the Kulturpass, and Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer said a revival has little chance.
  • The program is effectively discontinued with no funding in the 2025 budget, and Weimer signaled a shift to other youth projects that must align with Länder cultural authority.
  • The official website advises those born in 2007 that any budget for their cohort would be for the next federal government to decide.
  • Uptake lagged expectations, with roughly 450,000 activations by end‑2024 and €53.9 million redeemed against a budget exceeding €100 million.
  • Administrative costs drew criticism, with about €30 million spent on IT and management, while groups like Stiftung Lesen and the booksellers’ association urge continued youth‑culture investment and float a zero VAT rate for books, citing Denmark’s plan.