The German government is embarking on a substantial program of deregulation and digitalization, according to sources present at the recent two-day cabinet retreat. Ministers utilized the meeting to showcase ongoing projects aimed at streamlining processes and embracing digital solutions across various sectors.
Participants reported a “remarkable” digitalization yield, citing examples such as the centralization of vehicle registration processes, the implementation of digital driver’s licenses and the incorporation of artificial intelligence for assessing applications. While many of these initiatives are not entirely new, the focus now is on accelerating their implementation. “It is planned, it is decided, but it must now be executed” stated a participant.
The Ministry of Defense spearheaded an internal reporting portal that rapidly collected approximately 1,500 suggestions identifying cumbersome or illogical regulations. A significant two-thirds of these proposals were immediately deemed capable of being eliminated.
Further digital transformation efforts are planned, including a complete overhaul of funding programs for small and medium-sized enterprises and a reduction in reporting requirements within the healthcare sector.
The overall atmosphere during the cabinet retreat was described as positive, with ministers engaging in informal discussions late into the evening. The retreat concluded with a generally upbeat assessment of the progress being made.