Experts warn against housing construction boost from the coalition agreement: “Good intentions are not enough”

The Association of German Landscape Architects (BDLA) has published an initial statement on the new coalition agreement of the designated government led by Friedrich Merz , praising numerous positive initiatives for the profession. The proposed constitutional commitment to a new "common task of climate adaptation" is particularly welcomed, as is a special framework plan for nature conservation and the promotion of so-called green-blue infrastructures – measures to protect nature and waterways.

The association also considers the consolidation of the "Natural Climate Protection " action program to be an important milestone. These projects could contribute to strengthening climate-resilient cities and rural areas in the long term – provided they are supported by clear responsibilities, timelines, and sufficient funding, the association believes.

Association warns against deregulation of the construction industry

Nevertheless, the BDLA also identified numerous shortcomings: For example, the government-designate provides no information on timelines, responsibilities, and financial frameworks for its climate goals. Good intentions alone are not enough, according to the association – planning security and implementation prospects are essential.

The association is particularly concerned about the goal of accelerating planning and approval procedures . While more efficient procedures are generally desirable, the association urgently warns against hasty deregulation, as this could result in environmental, participation, and quality standards being neglected.

In this context, the association criticizes the planned suspension of preliminary environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects and the raising of the thresholds for such EIAs. Both could lead to major interventions in nature and the landscape being possible in the future without appropriate assessment.

Praise for urban development funding

However, the association praises the planned doubling of urban development funding and the provision of new funding through European development funds. The association believes this represents valuable opportunities to make inner cities more livable, greener, and more climate-resilient.

The announced reform of public procurement law is also receiving approval: It is intended to simplify and digitize procedures, and make the awarding of planning services fairer – which could particularly benefit smaller landscape architecture firms. Positive aspects include the planned increase in the thresholds for direct contracts and the expansion of digital platforms.

All in all, the association's conclusion is mixed. The association has already announced that it will engage in constructive and critical input into the future government's policies. In the coming months, it expects concrete information on how much of the new special fund will be made available for the relevant measures – and how the announcements will be implemented.