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Bundestag Halts Costly Second Phase of Luisenblock Ost

Lawmakers say the decision will save hundreds of millions and redirect money to security upgrades and renovations of existing parliament buildings.

Overview

  • The Bundestag's Bau- und Raumkommission voted unanimously to stop LBO II, the planned new-build near the Reichstag, a move its chair Omid Nouripour said came from parliamentary groups seeking to signal savings.
  • News reports put the avoided cost of LBO II at at least €600 million, and parliamentary leaders described the decision as saving 'hundreds of millions' from the federal purse.
  • Work on LBO part 1, which includes new offices for members and eavesdropping-secure meeting rooms, is still scheduled to begin as planned.
  • Officials cited tighter public finances and a lower need for office space after the Bundestag shrank by about 100 seats in 2025 as key reasons for stopping the larger expansion.
  • The canceled second phase also included housing and commercial elements tied to the Land Berlin, so the pause affects planned urban development in Berlin-Mitte while funds are refocused on security and overdue building repairs.