(de-news.net) – The heads of the German federal states announced that they had reached consensus on a far‑reaching 200‑point program intended to modernize public administration across the country. After a meeting in Berlin, the Minister‑President of Rhineland‑Palatinate, Schweitzer, presented the outcome and explained that the initiative is designed to make administrative procedures more accessible to citizens while simultaneously reducing the financial burden associated with bureaucratic processes. The program, he noted, represents a significant step toward streamlining governance and enhancing efficiency.

Among the specific measures highlighted were simplified procedures for obtaining identity documents and more straightforward processes for registering or deregistering residences. The plans also include a reduction in reporting obligations imposed on administrative bodies, thereby lessening the workload of public offices. Additional reforms are envisaged in areas such as construction law, where approval processes are to be accelerated, and in the recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad, which is expected to facilitate mobility and integration within the labor market.

Despite the broad agreement on these reforms, one central issue remained unresolved. The question of whether the federal government should in the future provide financial and administrative relief to states and municipalities for the consequences of federal legislation has not yet been settled. It was indicated that this matter will be the subject of further deliberation at a special conference of the Minister‑Presidents scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the complexity of balancing responsibilities between different levels of government.