Statement by the Advisory Council for Integration and Participation Berlin Lichtenberg on budget cuts in the Integration Fund

Statement by the Advisory Council for Integration and Participation Berlin Lichtenberg on budget cuts in the Integration Fund

The current budget cuts in Berlin have also had a significant impact on the Integration Fund. As part of the abolition of the lump sum shortfall of 3 billion euros, the budget of the Integration Fund was reduced from 11.9 million euros to 11,344,295 euros, which corresponds to a reduction of 4.69%. This reduction particularly affects the district structures of local integration work. At least one project has already had to be discontinued as a result of these savings: the outreach homework assistance wording uG.

For the district of Lichtenberg, this means a reduction in funding from 1,148,094.89 euros in 2024 to 1,094,481.27 euros in 2025. This funding cut becomes even more significant when you take into account the adjustment of tariff appropriations. For 2025, an additional tariff requirement of 29,670€ was calculated, plus the funds from 2023-2024 i.e. 81,414€ for the years 2023-2025. Including tariff means, the district of Lichtenberg would therefore have received 1,229,508, 89€ before reduction. Reductions in funds and tariff resources therefore amount to €135,027.62, as a percentage of 10.98%. This means that 135,027.62 euros less is available to the district — a cut of 10.98%. This means that further projects must be reduced or discontinued, or that personnel costs must be compensated by wage cuts or reductions in hours.

Integration Fund: A proven tool to strengthen local integration work

Since its introduction in 2016, the District Integration Fund has established itself as an indispensable instrument for promoting integration work in Berlin's districts. Particularly in times of increased refugee migration, such as after the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the fund's budget was adjusted to meet increased needs. As early as 2024, the original sum was reduced from 12.1 million euros to 11.9 million euros. With the new budget cuts, there is now a further reduction, although the target group of the funded measures is steadily expanding due to continued refugee flows.

The structural change to remove the Integration Fund from district budgets and assign it to the Senate Department for Labour, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination (SenasGiva) was already a far-reaching decision. The reduction that has now taken place means that the districts see themselves further restricted in their freedom of design and ability to plan integration work.

Effects on social infrastructure and social cohesion

Integration projects make a significant contribution to social stability in Berlin. They support people with refugee and/or migration histories

promote cooperation in the neighborhoods, contribute to education and labor market integration and strengthen social commitment in the neighborhoods. Cuts in this area not only mean the loss of essential offers, but they can also lead to higher costs for urban society in the long term. The dismantling of support structures for new immigrants often leads to a greater need for advice in other social areas, to increased barriers to integration and, in the worst case, to social marginalization.

Tariff provision: Financial security for institutions at risk

An additional problem is posed by uncertainty in the financing of tariff provision. This ensures that independent institutions that provide public integration services can pay their employees in line with collective agreements. In the third amendment to the Budget Act 2024/2025, it was decided not to estimate these funds centrally but through the responsible Senate administrations. For the Integration Fund, this is SenasGiva. Should the district no longer receive these funds, additional savings will be required, which has a direct impact on personnel costs and thus on the quality and scope of integration work.

Demands on Berlin politicians

In view of the serious effects of these budget cuts, the Advisory Council for Integration and Participation Berlin Lichtenberg calls on Berlin politicians:

1. To reverse the cuts in the Integration Fund and return funds to at least the 2024 level.

2. Ensure the financing of central collective bargaining funds so that independent agencies can continue to pay their employees in line with collective agreements.

3. To ensure long-term planning security for the districts by not further reducing the resources of the Integration Fund.

The Berlin Constitution obliges the state of Berlin to ensure equal participation of all people in society and to social security. The Integration Fund is an essential instrument for meeting these commitments.

Advisory Board for Participation and Integration Lichtenberg