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Repair instead of discard: The Green Party in the Bavarian state parliament has proposed a repair bonus for electrical and electronic devices. They are calling for a subsidy of 100 euros per repair.
In Saxony, the state supports the repair of defective electrical appliances such as mobile phones, washing machines, coffee machines, dishwashers, and ovens with a subsidy. Up to two repairs per year are subsidized through the [program/initiative - context needed]. Repair bonus.
Now the Greens in the Bavarian State Parliament He also applied for such a repair bonus. Anyone having a damaged electrical or electronic device repaired will in future be eligible for a repair bonus. 50 percent of the repair costs can be reimbursed – until maximum 100 euros per repair.
"The financial incentive is intended to encourage devices to be used longer and not immediately replaced with new ones when they break down. This avoids electronic waste and conserves valuable raw materials needed for the production of new devices," explains [name/title of speaker]. Laura Weber, spokesperson for consumer protection in the Green Party parliamentary group.
Budgetary funds of €1,7 million should be made available for the repair bonus in 2026 and €3,7 million in 2027. For comparison, the Free State of Saxony is allocating a total of €4 million in its current budget for the implementation of the repair bonus, but has only about a third of the population of Bavaria.
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Repair bonus in Berlin and Thuringia Berlin and Thuringia – the latter being a pioneer in 2021 – also had such a repair bonus. However, due to strained budgets, the programs were suspended in mid- and late 2025, respectively, despite their success.
Laura Weber points to the success of repair bonuses in other federal states: In Thuringia alone, over a period of two years, 390 tons of electronic waste avoided and 2.970 to 3.000 tons of CO₂ equivalents will be saved, according to one Study by the Fraunhofer InstituteOne in three applicants would not have carried out the repair without the bonus.
Barbara FuchsThe Green Party's economic policy spokesperson emphasizes the advantages for businesses and consumers: "The repair bonus makes it significantly cheaper to have a defective device repaired. Especially in times of rising prices, such financial relief is an important instrument."
At the same time, this has positive effects on the domestic economy when defective devices repaired by a local craft business Fuchs: "This secures local jobs and apprenticeships, as well as trade tax revenue for the municipalities."
The Green Party in the state parliament had already proposed a repair bonus during the last budget negotiations. This was rejected by the governing parties, who argued that no funds were available for such measures during times of crisis. "Yet, the numerous crises we are experiencing demonstrate precisely how important it is to strengthen the domestic economy and find ways to reduce resource consumption," Fuchs emphasized.
Background: "Right to repair" The "Right to repair" This is an EU directive that must be transposed into national law by July 31, 2026. Consumers should then have the option of having defective devices repaired easily and affordably after the two-year statutory warranty expires. To achieve this, products such as tablets, smartphones, washing machines, and dishwashers must be designed in such a way that they are technically repairable. Manufacturers are required to publicly disclose information about their repair services and the associated costs. And the legislature must promote repairs through at least one measure.
Source: Green Party Parliamentary Group Bavaria
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