Members of the German Bundestag’s budget committee are voicing concerns over what they perceive as an unacceptable restriction of their oversight function regarding the federal armed forces budget.
The dispute centers on a recent decision by the Ministry of Defence to limit access to detailed budget explanations and the financial plan for the special fund for the Bundeswehr-a €100 billion investment intended to modernize Germany’s military-to the Bundestag’s classified information facility. According to reports, the Ministry argues that the documents outline armament projects which could potentially reveal insights into the current and future defense capabilities and operational readiness of the armed forces.
Sebastian Schäfer, a budget spokesperson for the Green Party, expressed strong criticism, stating that the fully comprehensive parliamentary control guaranteed by law appears to be neither desired nor facilitated. Similar objections have been raised by colleagues from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Historically, security-vetted staff members assisting parliamentarians have been permitted to access these documents to aid in the preparation for budget deliberations. With the deadline for approving the 2025 budget rapidly approaching – a decision expected next week – the restricted access is creating concerns about the ability of the committee to adequately fulfill its oversight role.