Germany’s Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has published new funding calls for the ‘Democracy Live!’ program. Organizations seeking continued state support must meet stricter conditions, including a two-stage review by the domestic intelligence agency known as the Haber procedure. The procedure was already controversial earlier this year when three bookstores were denied a prize under the German Book Prize program due to such checks.
Since 2014, ‘Democracy Live!’ has funded projects against extremism, racism, and antisemitism. This year, around 190 million euros are available. Prien had announced that funding for about 200 projects would expire at the end of the year and set new conditions. The minister considers the program left-leaning and wants to support more initiatives in the mainstream of society.
The new ‘Federal Program Level’ is one of five program components. Two others—the municipal and state levels—are to remain unchanged, according to the ministry. New additions include a ‘Digital Space’ program level to counter radicalization online and a ‘Special Integration and Participation Project’ to strengthen dialogue and cohesion.
Source: Stadt München
