Germany's municipal league warns of a 'decade of loneliness' and calls for stronger investments in social infrastructure. Managing Director André Berghegger proposes a 500 million euro fund to tackle loneliness effectively. Municipalities position themselves as key locations for addressing this cross-generational issue.
Germany's League of Cities and Municipalities has warned of an impending 'decade of loneliness' and is urging greater financial support for local governments. In a statement to newspapers of the Funke Media Group, Managing Director André Berghegger stated: «The fight against loneliness must not fail due to lack of money.» He advocates for a dedicated federal and state program equipped with a 500 million euro fund for the current legislative period.
Berghegger emphasizes that municipalities are where loneliness first becomes noticeable and where countermeasures can be most effective. He calls for encounter spaces such as libraries and adult education centers to remain reliably open—without extended closures, vacation breaks, or early closing times. The message should be: «We are always there.» These facilities serve as key venues for exchange and lifelong learning, best supported by a mix of professional and volunteer staff.
Loneliness is not limited to the elderly but affects all generations, according to Berghegger. The fund could be financed through European Union funds, remaining federal budget allocations, or reallocations from existing line items. Such investments would bolster social infrastructure and promote societal cohesion in the long term.