Berlin Unveils New Digital Tool to Simplify Citizen-Authority Interactions
Berlin, August 7, 2026 – The Berlin administration has introduced a new online database designed to assist citizens in dealing with bureaucratic processes. The new website allows residents to easily ascertain which public authority is responsible for particular administrative tasks, a move aimed at making interactions with the administration more straightforward, digital, and less bureaucratic.
Digitalization of the “Competence Catalog”
The core of this initiative is the digitalization of the so-called “Competence Catalog,” a comprehensive directory that regulates all tasks within the Berlin administration. This new database is an integral part of Berlin’s broader administrative reform, which seeks to modernize and streamline public services over the coming years.
Florian Hauer, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) for the State of Berlin, emphasized the importance of this development. “With the administrative reform, we are creating clear responsibilities in Berlin – and with the new database, we are now establishing comprehensive transparency,” Hauer stated. “Berliners can now see who is responsible for which tasks in the state of Berlin.”
Benefits for Citizens and Administration
Beyond empowering citizens, the new system is also expected to benefit administrative staff. According to Hauer, employees can now more easily search for tasks and responsibilities and access information on specific duties, including legal bases. This internal efficiency is crucial for the overall success of the reform.
The “Competence Catalog” itself was developed over the past two years through a collaborative effort involving various Senate administrations, district offices, and subordinate authorities. This extensive cooperation underscores the city’s commitment to a unified and transparent administrative structure.
Ongoing Administrative Reform Efforts
This digital advancement follows other significant steps in Berlin’s administrative reform. Earlier, the Berlin Senate adopted the principle of “who orders, must also pay,” indicating a push for greater accountability and financial responsibility within the administration. The reform aims not only to simplify processes for citizens but also to improve working conditions and efficiency for city employees.
The introduction of this new website marks a pivotal moment in Berlin’s journey towards a more modern and citizen-friendly public administration. By providing clear and accessible information, the city hopes to reduce frustrations associated with bureaucracy and foster a more efficient government-citizen relationship.
