Minister to double EU funds for Thuringia at least - Thuringia fights for a bigger slice of EU funding after years of shortfall
Thuringia has secured just €89.7 million from Horizon Europe, the smallest share of any German state, representing only 1.3% of the total funding distributed. Now, the state is pushing to improve its access to EU grants. State Minister Stefan Gruhner has set an ambitious target: doubling Thuringia’s share of centrally managed EU funds during the current legislative term. His aim is to raise the region’s profile in Europe and secure more financial support for local projects. The funding gap became clear when compared to neighbouring Saxony, which secured around €338 million from the same programme. Thuringia consistently ranks near the bottom—or last—in several EU funding schemes. To address this, Thuringia’s Brussels office organised an EU Funding Programs Day. The event brought together local groups, businesses, and municipalities to explain available grants and key EU contacts. The Brussels office also acts as a service provider, helping smaller towns navigate complex funding applications. Gruhner’s strategy focuses on increasing visibility and improving coordination between Thuringian applicants and EU decision-makers. While no specific target amount has been set, his goal remains firm: securing at least twice the current level of funding by the end of the legislative period. Thuringia’s push for more EU funds comes after years of lagging behind other German states. The recent event in Brussels aimed to equip local groups with the knowledge to apply for grants more effectively. Success would mean a significant rise in financial support for the region’s projects and initiatives.
