European Union Development Programme Proposals Put Forward by the Commission
The "Initiative for an Actionable State" - a coalition of influential figures including Andreas Voßkuhle, Peer Steinbrück, Thomas de Maizière, and Julia Jäkel - has presented a final report with 35 demands aimed at modernizing Germany's bureaucracy, administration, and overall functioning.
The demands cover eleven key areas, including legislation, federalism, deportations, climate protection, and social issues. De Maizière, a former German Federal Minister of the Interior, suggested a ten-year timeframe for the entire program, acknowledging that it's a task that is never truly completed.
Voßkuhle, the President of the Federal Constitutional Court, highlighted the importance of a functioning state for democracy. He stated that citizens may seek alternatives if they feel the state isn't functioning effectively. The goal of the initiative is to restore trust in the state and democracy by improving its functioning.
De Maizière emphasized the need for accelerating decision-making processes at all levels, while Jäkel stressed the importance of collective participation from ministers in the digital modernization process. Constance Arndt, Mayor of Zwickau, warned that the implementation of modernization ideas is the more challenging task, citing building permits as an example.
The initiative also suggests extending powers for intelligence services and improving the integration of immigrants. It expects the most changes from the administrations, not from the citizens. The demands include better laws, improved administration, and the naming of model regions for testing new ideas.
One of the demands that made it into the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD was the creation of a new Ministry for Digital and State Modernization, led by Karsten Wildberger. Wildberger, who was present at the handover of the report to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, also announced that vehicle registration should be possible digitally and uniformly nationwide within the next one and a half years.
While the exact "35 demands" and their detailed content are not publicly available without access to the official publication or platform of the initiative, the initiative's focus on digitalization, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, legal clarity and simplification, better resource allocation, and strengthening democratic participation is evident. The initiative aims to address the impact of social media on society and the need for sustainable care and appreciation for societal and political institutions.
- The Commission, as part of the "Initiative for an Actionable State," may also be asked to propose a directive on the protection of workers from the risks arising from the use of electronic cigarettes, as it aligns with the initiative's focus on addressing societal issues and improving overall functioning.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the "Initiative for an Actionable State" is not only calling for modernizing Germany's bureaucracy and administration but also emphasizing the importance of digitalization, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and strengthening democratic participation – issues that significantly influence the political landscape and societal expectations.
