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States Demand Rollback of Integration Course Limits

An Essen meeting of state ministers signaled renewed federal–state talks that SPD leaders say could yield a fix.

Overview

  • State integration ministers called on the federal government to reverse access limits on language and integration courses and to secure nationwide, reliable funding.
  • SPD integration spokesman Hakan Demir said negotiations have restarted and voiced optimism that a solution is within reach.
  • Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had restricted courses to migrants with a “positive prospect of staying,” which led to many approvals being halted.
  • The migration office BAMF has not issued authorization certificates for voluntary participation since late November, with the ministry citing budget pressure and about €3,000 per participant in course costs.
  • Providers, unions, and regional leaders warn the cuts will slow integration and raise long‑term costs, noting a GEW petition with over 140,000 signatures and impacts on EU citizens, Ukrainians, asylum seekers, and people with tolerated status.