Germany’s digital ministry struggles with a €4.47 billion budget squeeze in 2026

A €1.36 billion core budget leaves Germany’s digital ambitions underfunded. Will constrained resources stall the country’s push for tech independence?

, and Administrator

2025 November 27 . 7:01 PM

1 min read

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Germany’s digital ministry struggles with a €4.47 billion budget squeeze in 2026

Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Administrative Modernization (BMDS) faces tight budget limits in 2026, despite its mission to accelerate the country's digital progress. With a total allocation of €4.47 billion, the ministry's funds fall far short of last year’s broader digital spending—and even trail behind other departments like Transport, which manages a €27.9 billion budget. The BMDS’s core budget stands at just €1.36 billion, placing it among the smallest ministry allocations. Only the Justice and Consumer Protection Ministry receives less. Most of its €4.47 billion total goes toward broadband expansion and digitising public administration, covering less than a quarter of Germany's previous digital investments. Under Karsten Wildberger’s leadership, the BMDS holds a budget larger than some but still lacks the financial weight to match its ambitions. With constrained funds and limited oversight, the ministry’s ability to steer Germany toward digital independence remains uncertain. The gap between its mandate and available resources highlights ongoing challenges in modernising the country's digital infrastructure.