Cross-party opposition is mounting in Germany regarding a proposed budgetary shift that could impact climate protection funding. A draft from the Finance Ministry suggests that the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) – a key instrument for achieving Germany’s climate goals – may be used to cover potential costs arising from the country failing to meet certain EU climate targets. Specifically, the fund could be drawn upon to purchase carbon certificates if Germany falls short of emissions reduction goals in sectors like transport.
Members of both the CDU/CSU and SPD are voicing concerns. Andreas Jung, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group responsible for climate policy, stated he expects a resolution during upcoming budget negotiations, emphasizing the importance of finding a collaborative solution. Mark Helfrich, a climate policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU, argued that costs incurred due to inadequate climate action should not be deducted from climate protection funds themselves. He anticipates significant debate on the issue, insisting the funds should not originate from the KTF.
Thomas Heilmann, head of the CDU’s climate policy working group, described the proposal as unacceptable from a policy perspective, stating the KTF should be reserved for necessary climate investments, not penalties for insufficient progress.
Social Democrats share these concerns. Jakob Blankenburg, climate policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized the KTF’s crucial role in achieving Germany’s climate neutrality goals, arguing that diverting funds to cover penalties would constitute a misuse of resources. Nina Scheer, the SPD’s energy policy spokesperson, suggested continuing to finance carbon certificates from the federal budget, while maintaining that investing directly in climate protection measures is ultimately more effective than relying on certificate purchases.