Additional funding from the federal government for judicial positions and digital advancement - Increased Allocation of Funds by the Federal Government for Justice System Modernization and Digital Advancements
Germany Strengthens Judiciary with New Pact for Rule of Law
Germany is taking significant steps to bolster its judicial system with the introduction of a new Pact for the Rule of Law. The federal government has announced plans to provide approximately half a billion euros over the next four years, starting from 2026, to create around 2,000 additional positions for judges, public prosecutors, and court staff.
The initial funding for the first year of the pact amounts to 57 million euros, which will be allocated for the creation of 350 additional judicial posts. This move is aimed at strengthening judicial capacities, improving the rule of law, and enhancing the efficiency of the justice system in Germany.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) announced these plans, emphasizing the need for a strong rule of law that is tangible and visible for everyone. Hubig also highlighted that the federal government is setting a clear mark by funding the judiciary as the backbone of the rule of law.
The Conference of Justice Ministers of the States, led by Constanze Geiert, has welcomed the federal government's plan for a renewal of the Pact for the Rule of Law. Geiert emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the federal government and the states to strengthen the judiciary.
The German Judges' Association (DRB) has expressed relief over the federal government's initial funding for the strengthening of the judiciary. Sven Rebehn, the federal managing director of the DRB, noted that there are currently around 2,000 public prosecutors and judges missing in the criminal justice system alone, leading to longer trial durations and investigators having to drop cases more often.
This Pact is part of Germany’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the independence, capacity, and effectiveness of its legal institutions to uphold democratic principles. The ministry will soon enter into consultations with the states regarding the new pact, with the aim of starting the pact in 2026.
The federal government's commitment to the rule of law extends beyond the monetary aspect, as it also intends to fund the digitalization of the judiciary. However, no new information about the digitalization of the judiciary has been provided at this time.
This news comes as Germany continues to address challenges within its judicial system. According to recent data, almost one million unsolved cases are piling up at the investigative authorities, leading to longer trial durations and investigators having to drop cases more often.
In summary, the new Pact for the Rule of Law in Germany aims to create 350 additional judicial posts in the first year, with an initial funding of 57 million euros. The pact is part of Germany’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the independence, capacity, and effectiveness of its legal institutions to uphold democratic principles.
The new Pact for the Rule of Law in Germany also includes funding for the digitalization of the judiciary, aiming to modernize the system and increase its efficiency. The federal government's extensive investment in the judiciary, particularly in employment policies, demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the judicial system, which is essential for maintaining the rule of law and upholding democratic principles.
The ongoing challenges within Germany's judicial system, such as the high number of unsolved cases and the need for more staff, are addressed by the Pact for the Rule of Law, the ultimate goal of which is to ensure a fair, efficient, and independent justice system for all.
