The German federal government has announced the discontinuation of the Cultural Pass, a program for young people introduced by the previous coalition government, drawing sharp criticism from students. According to the program’s website, the Cultural Pass will end at the close of 2025. “This means that no further cohorts will follow,” the announcement stated.
The Federal Students’ Conference expressed frustration on Tuesday. “Once again, we are being left behind,” said Secretary General Quentin Gärtner. “The government shouldn’t be surprised if we become culturally ignorant,” Gärtner added. “For all other generations, it seems money is available. For us, it isn’t.”
Gärtner highlighted the scarcity of affordable cultural opportunities for young people. He warned that ending the Cultural Pass removes an important form of extracurricular education, calling it “a slap in the face” for students and “an absolutely wrong signal.”
The Cultural Pass was created in 2023 under the initiative of former Cultural Affairs Minister Claudia Roth (Greens). Upon turning 18, young people initially received a credit of 200 euros for cultural activities. Users registered via a mobile app to access museums, concerts, theater performances, or to purchase books.
Due to budget constraints, the program was already reduced in 2024, with 18-year-olds receiving 100 euros instead of 200. The program will now be terminated. Cultural Affairs Minister Wolfram Weimer (nonpartisan) had announced this in August, citing an assessment by the Federal Court of Auditors which concluded that the Cultural Pass is not constitutionally covered, meaning the federal government does not have constitutional authority to fund it.
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