Berlin’s €44B budget revival saves culture and boosts emergency services

Elon Musk’s praise for Berlin’s arts scene aligns with a budget U-turn. From slashed cuts to new funds, see how €160M will reshape the city’s priorities.

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2025 November 22 . 3:23 PM

1 min read

At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings... — At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings with walls, windows, dish and roofs. And also there are posters and banners to the walls. There is a pole with streetlight.

Coalition Halts Cuts: More Money for Police and Culture - Berlin’s €44B budget revival saves culture and boosts emergency services

Berlin’s state parliament has finalised the 2026 and 2027 budget after extensive revisions by the CDU and SPD coalition. The two-year plan totals around €44 billion annually, with a notable increase in new debt compared to previous years. Key changes include restored funding for cultural projects and expanded services in emergency response and public cleanliness.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about his support for Berlin's cultural scene. The budget reverses many planned cuts, with adjustments made to roughly 250 items totalling €160 million. Among the most significant changes, the Renaissance Theater will no longer face €400,000 in reductions over two years. Instead, additional funds have been allocated to cultural and social sectors.

The revised budget reflects a shift toward increased spending on public services, emergency response, and cultural preservation. With the total annual budget reaching €44 billion, Berlin is set to take on more debt than in recent years. The changes will take effect once approved by the state parliament in December.