The German government is planning more money for culture and media in 2026 than ever before. Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer presented a draft budget of around 2.5 billion euros in the Bundestag - around ten per cent more than in the previous year.

Weimer spoke of an "investment offensive" for Germany's cultural landscape, which he described as a "cultural beacon". The additional money is intended to strengthen two key areas in particular: Film funding and Cultural buildings. According to Weimer, the government wants to double funding for the film industry in order to facilitate more productions and collaborations with streaming platforms and broadcasters. Major construction projects such as the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, the Unity Monument in Leipzig, the Kampnagel cultural centre in Hamburg and the German Schiller Society are also set to benefit from the funding.

Another focus is on the Culture of remembrance. Among other things, a central memorial for the victims of communist tyranny is planned. Weimer emphasised that it was crucial to keep the memory of Nazi terror and the SED dictatorship alive in order to "recognise dangers in a new form in good time".

The Minister of State also clearly positioned himself against the growing Anti-Semitism in the cultural sector. He criticised calls for a boycott of Jewish artists and praised the cohesion of the Berlin music scene, which had recently backed the Israeli conductor Lahav Shani.

The draft budget for 2026 was already approved by the Federal Cabinet at the end of July. However, the parliamentary procedure is still pending before it is finally adopted by the Bundestag.