EU Considers Another Increase to Schengen Visa Fees
A European Council working group met on September 14, 2026. It discussed raising Schengen visa fees again. No decision has been made yet. What Does a Schengen Visa...
Why Is Germany’s Homeownership Rate So Low?
Germany’s homeownership rate fell to 43.5% in 2025. That is the lowest level in more than 20 years. Nearly three-quarters of Germans aged 25 to 45 now...
Germany’s Rent-Gouging Law Is Barely Enforced
The Left Party filed an inquiry with the German government on September 14, 2026. It asked how often authorities punish rent-gouging under German law. The answer...
What Happens When Your Landlord’s Utility Bill Goes Unpaid?
Tenants across Germany are losing water, gas, or electricity over their landlord’s unpaid bills. This happens even when the tenant is fully paid up on rent...
Germany’s 2027 Health Budget Drops by €7.4 Billion
Germany’s federal health budget falls to €14.33 billion in 2027. That is down from €21.77 billion in 2026. The federal health budget cut totals roughly...
Electricity Prices in Germany Hit 35.6 Cents per kWh
Germany’s household electricity price hit 35.6 cents per kWh in Q2 2026. That was the highest household electricity price among G20 economies that quarter....
Tobacco Tax Rises Every Year From 2027
Germany plans to raise the tobacco tax (Tabaksteuer) every year from 2027 to 2030. The increases could add up to €3.59 billion a year in extra revenue by 2030....
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”...