(de-news.net) – The Bundestag has adopted the federal budget for 2026 with the backing of the governing coalition. In a roll-call vote conducted on Friday, 322 members of parliament supported the budget law, while 252 voted against it. Notably, no abstentions were recorded, underscoring a division between government and opposition on fiscal priorities.
The overall budget volume for the coming year is set at approximately 525 billion euros. The largest single allocation is directed to the Federal Ministry of Labor, which will receive 197 billion euros, reflecting the continued emphasis on social security and welfare expenditures. Planned new borrowing is estimated at around 180 billion euros, highlighting the scale of fiscal expansion, while defense spending is projected at more than 108 billion euros – a figure that signals the government’s intention to strengthen military capabilities in light of current geopolitical challenges.
In total, the Federal Government will be authorized to spend 524.54 billion euros in 2026. This represents an increase of 21.54 billion euros compared to the 2025 budget and a rise of 4.4 percent relative to the government’s initial draft of 520.48 billion euros. Investment expenditures are projected at 58.35 billion euros, which is slightly higher than the draft figure but remains below the 62.73 billion euros allocated in 2025, indicating a modest reduction in capital spending compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, commitment authorizations for future fiscal years amount to 449.91 billion euros, nearly 19 billion euros more than originally planned in the draft budget. Net borrowing is expected to reach 97.96 billion euros, approximately eight billion euros above the government’s earlier projection, reflecting the increased financing needs associated with expanded spending. Tax revenues and related levies are estimated at 387.21 billion euros, surpassing the government’s initial forecast by 3.38 billion euros and standing slightly above the 2025 level of 386.84 billion euros.
