A stark warning has been issued by the Association of Cities and Municipalities, forecasting a potential “decade of loneliness” if decisive action isn’t taken to bolster social infrastructure across Germany. André Berghegger, Chief Executive Officer of the association, emphasized that combating loneliness cannot be sacrificed due to budgetary constraints, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on volunteer efforts.
Berghegger argues that while civic engagement holds value, it cannot comprehensively address the growing issue. Therefore, he is calling for a substantial financial commitment from both the federal government and state governments, proposing the establishment of a dedicated “Loneliness Fund” totaling €500 million for the current legislative period. Potential funding sources include EU funds, leftover resources within the federal budget, or reallocation from existing departmental budgets.
Critically, Berghegger stressed that loneliness is no longer solely a problem affecting the elderly, but has evolved into a cross-generational phenomenon posing a serious threat to social cohesion. The association’s leadership believes that inaction risks a societal crisis of isolation, which could have far-reaching consequences beyond individual suffering.
He attributes the rise in loneliness to several converging factors, including an increasing reliance on digital interactions, a challenging economic climate and the broader impact of global instability. Berghegger urged politicians to confront this trend directly, noting the potential for it to contribute to societal alienation and even radicalization. He cautioned that the repercussions extend beyond personal distress, posing significant risks to the fabric of German society.
The association is explicitly urging municipalities to embrace their role as supportive communities, emphasizing the need for reliable access to essential public spaces. Crucially, Berghegger specifically mentioned libraries and other community hubs, advocating for consistent operating hours – eliminating the disruptions caused by closures for holidays, staff absences and early closing times. He envisions a future where these spaces, along with other offerings promoting interaction, participation and counselling, are significantly expanded, supported by the proposed Loneliness Fund, drawing on both paid staff and volunteer contributions. The fund’s objective is to ensure continuous, accessible community resources for all citizens.