The city of Bremen’s mayor, Andreas Bovenschulte, has voiced strong criticism regarding the German federal government’s budgetary plans for national and European space activities. He asserts that the proposed funding levels within the budget of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space Travel (BMFTR) for 2026 represent a breach of coalition agreements and fall significantly short of what is needed to advance Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Bovenschulte highlighted that the existing coalition agreement stipulated a significant strengthening of space capabilities, including increasing Germany’s contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA) and expanding national space programs. He stated that failing to meet these commitments is unacceptable.
The government’s draft budget currently allocates €1.2 billion for ESA contributions and €282 million for the national space program in 2026. This figure contrasts sharply with the demand from Bovenschulte, alongside the ministers of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Markus Söder and Winfried Kretschmann, who had advocated for annual allocations of €2 billion for ESA and €1 billion for the German space program. Previously, a proposed enhancement of €550 million for the national program had been indicated by Minister for Research Dorothee Bär.
The centralization of space-related responsibilities under the BMFTR, spearheaded by Minister Söder, was intended to streamline decision-making and enhance focus within the sector. However, Bovenschulte lamented that despite this structural reform, funding has not followed suit. He described the situation as a fundamental defeat for Minister Bär and a setback for all advocates for space exploration and development.
Bovenschulte questioned how Minister Söder, who holds a prominent position in the cabinet, could justify the significant shortfall. He suggested that the current funding levels effectively render the newly established space ministry a “virtual” entity.
Germany’s need for increased satellite capabilities for research, surveillance and communication, alongside modern launch vehicles and spacecraft to enhance independence, necessitates a more substantial financial commitment. Bovenschulte emphasized the urgent need for significant improvements before the budget reconciliation session scheduled for November 13th.