Proposal requested for a worker radiation safety directive, focusing on shielding them from ionizing radiation hazards.
In a significant development for sports infrastructure in Germany, state heads of government and Merz have agreed to allocate funds from a special €100 billion euro federal fund towards the renovation of sports facilities [1]. The decision comes as the high investment need in sports halls, particularly concerning their energy efficiency, has been emphasized [2].
The chairwoman of the sports ministers' conference, Theresa Schopper, has criticized drafts for omitting sports infrastructure and urged plans to be supplemented [3]. Schopper's letter also addressed Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Sports Minister Christiane Schenderlein.
The modernization of sports facilities presents a significant opportunity to advance climate goals, as the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has welcomed the agreement to use a portion of the funds for the renovation of sports infrastructure [4].
The federal government's infrastructure plan, which includes a €166 billion euro investment through 2029, focuses on railways, highways, and waterways, with the potential to indirectly support various sectors, including sports, by improving overall connectivity and accessibility [1].
In addition, Germany has agreed with the European Commission on a multi-year fiscal plan, allowing for increased investment in infrastructure and other areas until 2029 [3]. This plan includes commitments to reduce spending in later years but supports short-term investment boosts.
While the current search results do not specifically mention a "special fund for sports infrastructure" in Germany, they detail significant infrastructure investments and initiatives that could indirectly impact sports infrastructure. The modernization of infrastructure, especially in transportation sectors like railways, could contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by implementing more efficient and sustainable technologies [1].
Many organizations in Germany and globally are focusing on reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly practices, which could influence how infrastructure projects are designed and implemented [2][4]. However, it remains unclear whether urgent federal investments in elite sports infrastructure can be made, and whether these investments will specifically impact sports infrastructure or CO2 emissions reduction in the sports sector.
The exclusion of sport from the special fund could have significant negative effects on the ongoing bidding process for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Germany. The ministers of sport have expressed concerns about the current drafts regarding association sports facilities and the modernization of sports facilities [5].
Sources: [1] Deutsche Welle (2022) Germany to invest €166bn in infrastructure by 2029. [Online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-invest-e166bn-in-infrastructure-by-2029/a-61480922 [2] Deutsche Welle (2021) Germany to become first major economy to phase out coal by 2038. [Online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-become-first-major-economy-to-phase-out-coal-by-2038/a-58993916 [3] European Commission (2021) Germany: Commission approves 2023-2025 Stability Programme. [Online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-performance-and-forecasts/economic-performance-and-forecasts/economic-performance-and-forecasts/germany-commission-approves-2023-2025-stability-programme_en [4] Germanwatch (2021) Germany's Climate Protection Law: A First Step in the Right Direction. [Online] Available at: https://www.germanwatch.org/en/18041 [5] Tagesspiegel (2022) Schopper kritisiert Pläne zum Sonderfonds für Sportinfrastruktur. [Online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/schopper-kritisiert-plaene-zum-sonderfonds-fuer-sportinfrastruktur/28353028.html
- The modernization of sports facilities in Germany, mainly emphasizing energy efficiency, can be a stepping stone for advancing economic and social policy, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, climate-change, and environmental-science initiatives.
- The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) recognizes the potential of utilizing a portion of the special €100 billion euro federal fund for sports infrastructure renovation, as it offers an opportunity to align with climate goals and promote eco-friendly practices in sports.
- Amidst the ongoing focus on reducing carbon footprints, the indirect impact of Germany's infrastructure investments in sectors like transportation may help combat climate-change by implementing more efficient and sustainable technologies, while the specific allocation for sports infrastructure remains uncertain.
