What Are the New EU Warranty and Guarantee Labels?
From September 27, 2026, sellers must use two new EU labels. Guarantee terms used to vary widely between shops. Marketing language around them was often confusing....
New EU Data Act Rules Give You Access to Device Data
From September 12, 2026, new connected devices sold in Germany must give you access to the data they collect about you. This data access requirement comes from the...
Germany Bans Vague Eco-Friendly and Climate Neutral Claims
Vague environmental marketing claims become illegal in Germany starting September 27, 2026. Terms like “eco-friendly” and “climate neutral”...
Altersvorsorgedepot Replaces Riester Starting 2027
Germany’s parliament has replaced the Riester pension with a new investment account. The Altersvorsorgedepot lets you invest your retirement savings in funds,...
KfW’s Barrier-Free Renovation Grant Ran Out in Four Months
Germany’s federal grant for barrier-free home renovations has stopped taking new applications. Barrier-free renovations remove obstacles like steps, narrow...
You Can Now Vote on Germany’s Next Euro Banknotes
The European Central Bank (ECB) wants your input on future euro banknotes. Voting on ten finalist designs runs until September 21, 2026. Anyone in Europe can take...
Munich Rules Full Day’s Price Back for a Delayed Flight
A Munich court ruled that a delayed package tour flight can cost a full day’s price. The ruling went out on July 18, 2026. The case involved a nine-hour flight...
Germany Ends “Accompanied Drinking” for 14 and 15 Year Olds
Germany’s cabinet approved a Youth Protection Act reform on August 12, 2026. The reform ends “accompanied drinking” (begleitetes Trinken). It’s...
German Grocery Products Now Cost Up to 50% More Per Gram
A new monthly report flags grocery products for shrinking packages. A Milky Way multipack shrank from nine bars to five. That works out to a 38 percent price increase...
Germany’s ID Cards Change From 2027
Germany’s Interior Ministry confirmed new ID card rules on August 8, 2026. Cards issued after the end of 2027 will look and work differently. The ministry...