Land will not exclude anyone in Digital Strategy - Schleswig-Holstein Aims to Be Germany's Top Digital State by 2026
Schleswig-Holstein has unveiled an ambitious plan to become Germany's leading digital state by 2026. The government's new strategy focuses on faster public services, better connectivity, and a fully networked administration. Officials say the aim is to ensure no citizen is left behind as digital processes replace traditional ones.
The state is already ahead in digital infrastructure, with 84% of house addresses connectable to fibre-optic networks—more than double the national average of 40%. Over half of households now use fibre, and 952 of 954 public schools are linked via a €140 million state-funded network. Digitalization Minister Dirk Schrödter (CDU) presented the Digital Strategy 2026 alongside partners, calling it a 'participatory' approach centred on a 'digitally cooperative state'.
In March 2026, the state approved a Digitalization Acceleration Act to enable fully digital processes under a 'Digital Only' principle. A key goal is to simplify public services by ensuring citizens only submit data once. The strategy also includes a dedicated data network for seamless information sharing between authorities, aiming to end fragmented digital solutions.
Politicians from across parties weighed in on the plan. CDU lawmaker Uta Wentzel emphasised its potential to boost the local digital economy and future technologies. Green Party representative Sebastian Bonau called for stronger digital sovereignty at the municipal level. SPD's Kianusch Stender warned against a top-down approach, pointing to past issues with open-source projects. FDP's Bernd Buchholz stressed the need to prevent exclusion, ensuring all citizens benefit from digitalisation.
The black-green coalition's strategy sets clear targets for 2026, including faster public services and statewide digital inclusion. With fibre expansion already far above the national average, the focus now shifts to integrating systems and closing gaps. The success of the plan will depend on balancing innovation with accessibility for every resident.
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