What Is Volt and What Does It Want for Berlin in 2025?

Introduction

Berlin's political landscape is shifting. Ahead of the city-state's September 2025 election, a relatively unknown pan-European party called Volt is turning heads — and winning clicks — with a bold two-word campaign slogan. For English-speaking expats living in Berlin, Volt's platform stands out: the party is explicitly pro-European, internationally minded, and focused on the kind of practical urban reforms that directly affect everyday life in the capital. Whether you can vote or not, understanding who is competing to shape Berlin's future matters for everyone who calls the city home.

Who Is Volt?

Volt is a pan-European political party that operates across multiple EU member states under a shared platform, rather than being tied to a single national identity. Founded in 2018, it positions itself beyond the traditional left-right spectrum, focusing instead on pragmatic, evidence-based policy and strong European integration.

In Germany, Volt has been building a steady following, particularly among younger, urban, and internationally connected voters. The party has seats in the European Parliament and has run in several German state elections. Berlin, with its large international population and progressive voter base, is seen as fertile ground.

Candidate Matt Bristow, who spoke with The Local, represents the kind of profile Volt often fields: internationally oriented, fluent in the concerns of people who have chosen to build their lives in Germany rather than simply being born into it.

What Does Volt Want for Berlin?

Volt's Berlin platform centres on several themes that will sound familiar to anyone who has navigated life in the German capital:

Cutting bureaucracy: Berlin's reputation for slow, paper-heavy administration is well known among expats. Volt has made streamlining public services — including digitalising processes that still require in-person visits and physical forms — a central promise.

Housing and urban infrastructure: Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues for anyone moving to Berlin. Volt advocates for faster planning approvals and smarter urban development to address the city's persistent housing shortage.

International openness: The party explicitly courts internationally minded voters and wants Berlin to be more welcoming to skilled workers and international talent — a message that resonates directly with the expat community.

Pro-European identity: Unlike nationalist parties, Volt frames Berlin's future as inseparable from a stronger, more cooperative Europe. This positions it as a natural political home for EU citizens living in Germany and for non-EU residents who value European integration.

Can Expats Vote in Berlin?

This is where it gets practical. If you are an EU citizen living in Berlin, you are entitled to vote in local (Bezirk) and European Parliament elections. However, for the Berlin state (Abgeordnetenhaus) election, only German citizens can vote.

If you have German citizenship or are in the process of Einbürgerung, this election is directly relevant to you. If not, the outcome still shapes the policies that govern your daily life — from how the Ausländerbehörde is staffed and funded, to housing policy and public transport investment.

Volt's rise also signals a broader trend: parties that speak explicitly to international residents are gaining ground, which could influence how other parties position themselves on integration and immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in the Berlin state election as an EU citizen?

No. The Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus election requires German citizenship. However, EU citizens can vote in Berlin's district (Bezirk) elections and in European Parliament elections. Check your local registration status to confirm eligibility.

Is Volt relevant outside Berlin?

Yes. Volt operates across Germany and has a presence in the European Parliament. If you live outside Berlin, Volt may still run in your state or local elections. Check the party's official website for regional activity.

Does Volt's platform address immigration or residence permits directly?

Volt's broader European platform supports free movement and easier pathways for skilled workers. Their Berlin platform focuses more on urban reform and bureaucracy reduction, which indirectly benefits expats dealing with slow administrative processes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Volt may not yet be a household name, but its platform speaks directly to concerns that many expats in Berlin share: slow bureaucracy, housing pressure, and the desire for a city that genuinely welcomes international residents. Whether you can vote in September or not, following this election gives you insight into who will be shaping Berlin's policies for years to come.

If you hold German citizenship or are close to completing your Einbürgerung, consider researching all parties running in September before the election date. If you are an EU citizen, make sure you are registered to vote in district elections.

Source: The Local