The city of Bremen’s Mayor, Andreas Bovenschulte, has publicly criticized the German federal government’s budgetary plans for national and European space activities. He asserts the proposed funding levels within the budget of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for 2026 represent a departure from prior coalition agreements and are insufficient to advance European sovereignty in the sector.
Bovenschulte, speaking to “Der Spiegel”, highlighted the commitment within the governing coalition to significantly strengthen space capabilities, including increasing Germany’s contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA) and expanding the national space program. He deemed the current trajectory “unacceptable.
The federal government’s draft budget allocates €1.2 billion for ESA contributions in 2026, with approximately €282 million earmarked for the national program. This falls considerably short of the €2 billion annually for ESA and €1 billion for the national program previously advocated by Bovenschulte, along with the Ministers-Presidents of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Markus Söder (CSU) and Winfried Kretschmann (Greens). Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) had previously indicated a commitment of €550 million for the national program.
The consolidation of space-related responsibilities under the BMFTR, a move championed by Minister Söder, aimed to streamline oversight previously distributed across several ministries. Bovenschulte noted the irony of establishing a dedicated space ministry only to be met with inadequate funding. He characterized this situation as a significant setback, not just for Minister Bär, but for proponents of space exploration and development.
Bovenschulte questioned how Minister Söder, a key figure in cabinet discussions, would reconcile the shortfall. He suggested the current funding level relegates the ministry to a largely symbolic role.
He emphasized the necessity for increased investment in satellites for research, reconnaissance and communication, as well as modern launch vehicles and spacecraft to enhance Germany’s independence. Achieving these goals, he argues, is simply not feasible with such a constrained budget. Bovenschulte urged substantial revisions to the budget plan prior to the budgetary reconciliation session on November 13th.
