Overview
- Bund and Länder will split the €5 billion evenly, with the pact set to apply retroactively from January 1, 2025.
- The federal contribution is expected largely from the 500 billion euro infrastructure special fund, with distributions to states following the Königsteiner Schlüssel.
- Application procedures are being streamlined with simplified reporting, per‑pupil lump‑sum options, and a mechanism for 12 states to launch joint projects from a central pool.
- Funding can cover devices, software, teacher training, IT support and maintenance, plus up to €250 million for practice‑oriented research into digital teaching.
- Hamburg plans about €120 million and Schleswig‑Holstein nearly €73 million from the pact, and Lower Saxony is advancing free loan tablets from 2026/27, while unions criticize the lower volume versus the previous €6.5 billion and limited fresh money.