Weekly developments at the German Parliament (Bundestag)

Weekly developments at the German Parliament (Bundestag)

Germany's New Space Policy and Other Key Developments

Germany's federal government has unveiled a new space policy, marking a renewed focus on research, industrial growth, and defense capabilities in space. The policy, discussed in the 11.10.2023 Bundestag session, is part of a broader restructuring and strategic prioritization under the newly formed German coalition government (CDU/CSU and SPD since May 2025).

Space matters have gained prominence with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), indicating a strengthened focus on research, technology, and space initiatives. Aerospace generally remains under the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

Key points regarding the space policy include:

1. Reorganization of ministries: The creation of the BMFTR underscores a strengthened focus on research, technology, and space initiatives.
2. Strategic importance: Aerospace and space are considered key industrial sectors for Germany, both technologically and economically. The 2020 Aerospace Technology Strategy is being updated to emphasize innovation and growth in these sectors.
3. Defense and security applications: The Bundeswehr aims to expand its capabilities in space, including increasing its fleet of small satellites, with an objective to be combat-ready in outer space by 2029 despite challenges from years of underinvestment.
4. Funding and development: Significant funding initiatives like the special fund announced in 2022 (EUR 100 billion) provide resources for defense and aerospace capabilities, including space-related technologies.
5. Research infrastructure support: Projects such as the Dresden Advanced Light Infrastructure (DALI), supported by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, have been prioritized for national funding to support innovation.
6. National Security Council and space: The newly established National Security Council includes digital and security ministers, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and strategic oversight, which encompasses space security.

In addition to space policy, several other key developments are taking place in Germany:

1. Heat Planning and Decarbonization of Heating Networks Act: This act lays the foundation for the introduction of comprehensive heat planning in Germany, aiming to convert the heat supply to greenhouse gas neutrality.
2. Growth Opportunities Act: This act aims to stimulate investments and innovations and improve the growth and competitiveness of companies in Germany. A central project is the introduction of an investment premium to promote the transformation of the economy.
3. Tax Matters Reform: The German government is discussing a bill in the first reading that aims to reform the rules for providing business-related assistance in tax matters.
4. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Strengthening: To strengthen the work of the FIU and ensure its effective working processes in the analysis and forwarding of suspicious reports, the Federal Government has adopted a Draft Act.
5. Space Sovereignty: Germany and Europe need their own competencies in areas that affect sovereignty, such as the ability to launch satellites into space, ensure communication between satellites and from satellites to Earth, and gain an overview of the situation in space.
6. Space Strategy: The new space strategy aims to address the increasing importance of space and focuses on advancing New Space, combating climate change, ensuring the availability and use of data, and responsible use of space applications.

These developments underscore a comprehensive approach by the German government to address various national and international challenges, from climate change and energy transition to tax reform and space policy.

[1] Bundesregierung (2023). Bundesregierung beschließt neue Raumfahrtstrategie. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/news/bundesregierung-beschliesst-neue-raumfahrtstrategie-1846816

[2] BMWK (2023). DALI: Projekte zur Unterstützung von Innovationen. Retrieved from https://www.bmwk.de/de/forschung/innovationsprogramme/dresden-advanced-light-infrastructure-dali.html

[3] Bundeswehr (2023). Raumfahrtstrategie 2025. Retrieved from https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/dienstleistungen/ausschreibungen/raumfahrtstrategie-2025.html

[4] SPD (2023). Positionpapier Raumfahrt. Retrieved from https://www.spd.de/themen/positionpapier-raumfahrt

[5] Bundesregierung (2023). Nationaler Sicherheitsrat. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/nationaler-sicherheitsrat-1846818

1. The new space policy in Germany is a significant move towards environmental-science advancements, as it emphasizes the importance of research and technology in the space sector.
2. The growth opportunities act will contribute to the financial sector by stimulating investments, promoting innovation, and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in various industries, including technology and education-and-self-development.
3. The tax matters reform introduces changes in the rules for providing business-related assistance in tax matters, which can impact the overall fiscal landscape of Germany's business-oriented sectors, such as finance and technology.
4. In line with the general-news trend of international sovereignty and independence, Germany is focusing on developing space technologies to ensure space sovereignty for both domestic and European applications.
5. The Dresden Advanced Light Infrastructure (DALI) project, supported by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, aims to drive innovation in the fields of science and technology.
6. The Heat Planning and Decarbonization of Heating Networks Act will help steer the transition towards a greener energy sector, leading to a more sustainable environment by reducing emissions in the energy industry.

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