German municipal association seeks €500m fund to fight loneliness
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities has called for the creation of a nationwide fund worth more than €500 million ($589 million) to tackle growing loneliness across society, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports, citing Deutschlandfunk.
The money would support local institutions such as libraries and adult education centers, which are seen as key places for social interaction.
Speaking to Funke Medien, the association’s chief executive André Berghegger said action on loneliness must not fail due to a lack of funding. He suggested the money could come from European Union resources, unused funds, or reallocations within the federal budget.
According to the association, loneliness is often felt first at the local level, making municipalities the most effective place to respond.
Berghegger highlighted libraries and adult education centers as examples of places that play a crucial role in social exchange. Such spaces, he said, should remain permanently open in order to foster community life and reduce isolation.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported on a new guide on how to counter loneliness.
