Berlin takes over chairmanship of Building Ministers' Conference

Scaffolding stands next to a shell construction of new apartments. (Archive image)

As the new chairman of the Building Ministers' Conference, Berlin's Senator for Urban Development Christian Gaebler wants to focus on housing policy.

"We are united by the common goal of creating affordable and livable housing and thus a secure home for people in Germany," explained the SPD politician. "In addition to the urgently needed new construction, this also requires affordable apartments in existing buildings and livable, stable neighborhoods." To overcome the housing crisis, cooperation at all political levels is necessary.

Chairmanship for two years in Berlin

The Building Ministers' Conference (German: Bauministerkonferenz) brings together the heads of departments responsible for urban development, construction, and housing from all 16 federal states. Berlin took over the chairmanship from Bavaria on January 1 for a two-year term. According to Gaebler, the annual main meeting of federal and state construction ministers will take place in Berlin on September 10 and 11, 2026. In addition, a special conference is planned for the first half of the year to discuss greater involvement by the European Union in the area of housing.

Building to be made easier

Most recently, the Building Ministers' Conference succeeded in "providing important impetus for making construction easier, faster, and more cost-effective," said Gaebler. He wants to build on this. "Berlin has had the Fast-Track Construction Act since December 2024 and is currently working under the name 'EinfachBauenBerlin' on measures and standards that will make construction easier," said the senator. "Other states are also launching numerous initiatives to significantly revive residential construction."