The German government's plan to significantly reduce the budget allocated to integration courses in 2027 has drawn criticism from the German Adult Education Association (DVV). The association argued that these cuts would weaken one of the country's most effective integration tools.

DVV Director Julia von Westerholt stated that the planned cuts would lead to the "systematic dismantling" of integration courses and used the phrase, "We do not accept this." According to the budget draft announced by the German Ministry of Interior approximately two weeks ago, while approximately 1 billion euros were allocated for courses this year, this figure is expected to be reduced to 590 million euros in 2027.

Westerholt emphasized that the announced 590 million euro allocation was approximately 10 percent less than the amount previously communicated to them. She stated that the budget cuts would negatively affect social cohesion and make it harder for Germany to meet its skilled labor needs. The association argued that with the current budget, integration courses could not be adequately financed either this year or next year.

Course providers had previously warned that funding for integration courses for Ukrainian refugees might be halted due to austerity measures. The German Ministry of Interior, however, stated that the 2027 budget could be increased with unused appropriations carried over from this year.

Coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SPD) also criticized the budget draft. SPD Member of Parliament Hakan Demir stated that the coalition agreement stipulated adequate financing for integration courses, but the current budget draft did not meet this goal.