** Bundestag Recommends Bill Amending the Foundation Act on Dealing with the Nazi Past**
On January 29, 2025, the Bundestag discussed a bill (20/14244) submitted by the SPD and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary groups, which aims to amend the Foundation Act on Dealing with the Nazi Past. The Act establishes the “Remembrance, Responsibility, and Future” Foundation, which provides financial support to victims of Nazi persecution and their families.
The proposed amendments are based on a recommendation from the Bundestag’s Legal Affairs Committee (20/14778). The committee recommends that the bill be adopted with amendments.
Key Amendments:
- The Foundation’s mandate would be expanded to include providing support to victims of forced labor and their families.
- The definition of “forced labor” would be aligned with international standards.
- The Foundation would be granted the authority to issue administrative acts, such as decisions on applications for support.
- The Foundation’s Board of Trustees would be expanded to include representatives of victims’ groups.
- The Foundation’s budget would be increased to ensure adequate funding for its expanded mandate.
Background:
The “Remembrance, Responsibility, and Future” Foundation was established in 2000 to provide financial compensation to victims of Nazi persecution and their families. The Foundation’s mandate has been expanded over time, but it currently does not include support for victims of forced labor.
The bill recognizes that victims of forced labor have been neglected in the past and that they deserve compensation and support. It also aligns the Foundation’s mandate with Germany’s international obligations under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Forced Labour Convention.
Discussion in the Bundestag:
The bill was debated by the Bundestag on January 29, 2025. Speakers from the SPD and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary groups welcomed the bill as a necessary step to address the long-standing injustice suffered by victims of forced labor.
Opposition parties, such as the CDU/CSU and AfD, expressed concerns about the cost of the bill and the expansion of the Foundation’s mandate. However, they did not oppose the bill in principle.
Next Steps:
The bill will now be voted on by the Bundestag. If it is passed, it will be sent to the Bundesrat for approval. The bill is expected to be enacted into law in the coming months.
20/14778: Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht zu dem Gesetzentwurf der Fraktionen SPD und BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN – 20/14244 – Entwurf eines Sechsten Gesetzes zur Änderung des Gesetzes zur Errichtung einer Stiftung „Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft“ (PDF)
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