German Family Minister Karin Prien Tightens Rules for Democracy Living Grants and Adds Intelligence Review

Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has launched a restructuring of the "Demokratie leben!" programme, which since 2014 has funded projects countering extremism, racism and antisemitism. For 2026 roughly €190 million is earmarked, but the new call shifts to a national‑level “Bund” tier with stricter eligibility.

Applicants must be legally recognised entities with tax‑benefit status, provide at least 10 % co‑financing and submit to the so‑called Haber procedure – a two‑stage review by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The reform is presented as a move to support more centrist initiatives and to add new strands such as a digital‑space unit targeting online radicalisation and a special integration project.

Critics note that the Haber procedure was previously used controversially in the German Bookstore Prize case, raising concerns about transparency.