Ahead of a meeting between the state premiers of eastern Germany and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Prime Minister of Thuringia, Mario Voigt, has called for increased federal engagement in the new states.
Voigt, in an interview with “Der Stern”, stated the federal government could further prioritize eastern Germany, particularly through investment in research and innovation. He highlighted the existence of modern research institutes awaiting commitments for extended periods.
The Thuringian Prime Minister, who chairs the Eastern State Premiers’ Conference convening in Weimar today, also advocated for increased financial contributions from the federal government to cities and districts for services rendered on its behalf. He emphasized the substantial burden on local municipalities due to social costs stemming from federal legislation and the need for equitable compensation.
The meeting will also be attended by Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and is expected to include discussions about increased defense procurements, reflecting the presence of strong industrial enterprises in eastern Germany, particularly in optics and robotics with significant potential contributions to national security.
Sources indicate the Eastern State Premiers’ Conference intends to formally reiterate its demand for a share in the federal defense budget. Furthermore, a resolution under consideration also calls for the accelerated expansion of transport and energy infrastructure critical for defense purposes.
The draft resolution also proposes targeted support for “dual-use” research – research with applications in both civilian and military sectors – specifically within eastern Germany. Finally, the conference is expected to urge the federal government to bolster civilian defense capabilities in eastern Germany through increased financial resources, staffing and organizational support.