German Budget Committee Approves €21.8 Billion for Technology and Space

The German Bundestag's budget committee has approved a €21.8 billion budget for the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space for the year 2026. The decision, promoted by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, intends to strengthen the nation's innovation capacity and technological sovereignty.

Significant portions of the funding are earmarked for strategic future fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and climate-neutral energy and mobility. The "Hightech-Agenda," with a total volume of at least €18 billion over the current legislative period, is designed to secure Germany's global competitiveness.

The budget also allocates over €600 million to a program aiming to attract 1,000 top researchers to Germany. A new initiative, the "National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases" (2026–2035), will receive €50 million annually to address research gaps concerning conditions like post-COVID and ME/CFS, with the goal of improving awareness, care, and prevention.

Furthermore, the space sector will receive nearly €2.4 billion in funding. These investments are intended to enhance Germany's standing within the European Space Agency (ESA) and prepare for the upcoming ESA ministerial council conference in Bremen. Investments in space exploration are characterized as investments in progress, security, and prosperity.

The CDU/CSU group emphasizes that the budget represents a strong commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, crucial for the country's future development.