A sweeping overhaul of Germany’s state administration is being proposed by the federal government and state premiers, aiming to address persistent criticisms of bureaucracy and inefficiency. A 68-page draft plan, set for approval at this week’s Ministerpräsidentenkonferenz, outlines a “federal modernization agenda” intended to fundamentally restructure public organization and relieve pressure on citizens and businesses.
The document paints a stark picture of the current system, describing the state and its administration as “too bureaucratic, sluggish and lacking in solutions”. Officials have increasingly framed excessive bureaucracy as a “risk to our nation’s prosperity” sparking concerns about Germany’s continued competitiveness on the global stage.
The proposed agenda details a comprehensive list of 338 measures targeting administrative bottlenecks. One seemingly minor, yet symbolically significant, element involves extending the validity of identity cards for citizens over the age of 70, effectively eliminating mandatory renewals. While presented as a citizen-friendly measure, critics question whether this represents a genuine commitment to systemic reform or simply a superficial gesture to appease public discontent.
More substantial changes are proposed to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. The plan calls for a “critical review” of all reporting and information obligations imposed on the economic sector, with the ambitious goal of abolishing at least half of these requirements by the end of 2026. This move is likely to be met with cautious optimism from industry lobbies, but questions remain regarding the depth and independence of the review process. Will politically sensitive regulations truly be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, or will the exercise be largely performative?
Furthermore, the agenda pledges a “low-effort implementation” of European Union law, committing to a “1:1” translation of Union legal provisions into national regulations, ostensibly minimizing additional burdens on recipients. This commitment, while framed as facilitating compliance, has drawn criticism from legal scholars who argue that it may hinder the ability to adapt EU law to the unique context of the German system and potentially create unintended consequences.
The modernization agenda represents an acknowledgment of the growing pressure to streamline German governance and enhance its responsiveness. However, its success will ultimately hinge on the commitment to genuine structural reform, the independence of the oversight mechanisms and a willingness to confront deeply entrenched bureaucratic interests. The plan’s implementation will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as an indicator of Germany’s ability to adapt and remain a leading economic power in a rapidly changing world.