Der neue deutsche Bundesstaat

The report contains the results of a research project carried out from 2008 to 2012, at which the implementation of the German federal reform I of 2006 by the federation and the states was monitored, analyzed and evaluated. It turned out that the most comprehensive reorganization of the federal distribution of powers with 25 amendments of the Basic Law is better than its rumors. The objectives of the reform could be substantially achieved. The number of laws requiring the consent of the Bundesrat has decreased. The state parliaments were strengthened. Common tasks and responsibilities of the federal and state governments were "disentangled". With the invention of the so-called “deviating legislation” a worldwide unique instrument was created that allows the states to modify federal laws in the fields of nature conservation, water resources and environmental planning. The states are entitled in the areas of their exclusive jurisdiction (education, culture and broadcasting) to send their own representatives, appointed by the Federal Council, to the meetings of EU councils and made often use of it.