The German Bundestag has approved the budget for culture and media in 2025 - and at an increased level. In total, the Ministry of State for Culture and the Media has around 2.33 billion euros at its disposal, around two per cent more than in the previous year.

Minister of State Weimer emphasised the importance of the funds: "In times of tight budgets, the federal government is committed to culture and media. We are investing in the democratic foundation of our country." Culture and media are central components of German identity, Weimer continued.

Promotion of the independent scene and cultural funds

The independent cultural scene is set to benefit in particular: the federal cultural funds will receive an additional 6 million euros so that even more projects can be supported nationwide. A total of up to 24 million euros will be available to the six funds in 2025.

Support for major cultural institutions

Large institutions will also be strengthened: the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation will receive an additional 20.9 million euros to finalise reform processes and ensure its future viability. The German National Library will be supported with almost 1.9 million euros and the Federal Archives with 3 million euros. Weimer jokingly commented: "Nefertiti can continue to smile happily."

Focus on Jewish culture and monument protection

The Jewish Museum Berlin will receive around 550,000 euros more, supplemented by 175,000 euros for the New Synagogue Berlin Foundation. In addition, 35 million euros will flow into the special monument protection programme. Since 2009, over 3,000 nationally significant cultural monuments have already been renovated in this way.

The Budget Act will enter into force retroactively from 1 January 2025 following publication in the Federal Law Gazette. By increasing the culture and media budget, the federal government is sending a clear signal: Culture is a central component of a democratic society and a valuable heritage that must be preserved.