Parliamentary breakfast for a federal investment programme for youth education centres: "Preserving places, enabling young volunteers"

In discussions with members of all democratic parliamentary groups in the Bundestag, Wendelin Haag, Chairman of the German Federal Youth Council, and Oliver Peters, Managing Director of the German Youth Hostel Association, drew attention to the acute challenges: "Youth education centres, youth hostels, campsites and other non-profit organisations are under increasing pressure. The refurbishment backlog is growing and many are struggling to survive. Despite repeated announcements in the coalition agreements, a viable investment programme that gives these facilities long-term planning security is still lacking," says Haag.

The figures speak for themselves: a recent survey conducted by the German Youth Hostel Association and the German Youth Hostel Association shows that the investment needs of the centres now amount to around one billion euros. "A targeted investment programme from the federal government, which includes the areas of energy-efficient refurbishment, accessibility and digitalisation, is therefore urgently needed," emphasised Wendelin Haag to the members of parliament from the Youth, Construction and Tourism Committee who were present.

Overall, the parliamentary breakfast sent out a strong signal that the non-profit providers of travel for children and young people are united in their support for the important issue of a nationwide investment programme for youth education centres and non-profit leisure and accommodation facilities. The Bundesjugendring will continue to campaign vigorously to ensure that these facilities are not only preserved, but that their importance is further strengthened - as indispensable places for young volunteers that offer young people the opportunity to gain extracurricular experiences, take on responsibility and enjoy a sense of community.