Overview
- Coalition leaders said they will not adopt the BäumePlus text 1:1 and will bring their own bill, while the Greens demand full adoption and a vote without party discipline.
- After the Senate’s July rejection, the Abgeordnetenhaus must decide by 3 November whether the initiative’s proposal is accepted im Wesentlichen.
- The initiative now cites roughly €3–4 billion in additional costs instead of €7.2 billion, as talks explore federal special funds, EU grants and budget shifts.
- A proposed external oversight council to enforce implementation remains the central sticking point for CDU/SPD and the Senate.
- Co-initiator Heinrich Strößenreuther says an urgent constitutional case is being prepared and, if needed, a second signature drive of about 170,000 to force a 2026 referendum.