Germany’s Heating System Replacement Grant Covers Up to €21,000
Homeowners in Germany can receive up to €21,000 from the federal BEG programme to replace an old heating system with a climate-friendly alternative like a heat pump.
News
Deutsche Bahn Launches €99.99 Family Ticket for Summer
From mid-June 2026, Deutsche Bahn is selling a flat-rate family ticket (Familienticket) for €99.99. For that price, up to two adults and up to four children aged 6 to 14
German Pensions Will Rise 4.24% Starting 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, pensions in Germany rise by 4.24 percent. The pension value (Rentenwert) increases from €40.79 to €42.52, benefiting 21.5 million retirees.
Germany’s Unemployment Drops Below 3 Million
Germany’s unemployment count fell by 58,000 in May 2026 to 2.95 million people. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.3%. Despite the drop, the Federal Employment Agency’s chief described the spring
Germany Misses EU Pay Transparency Deadline
Germany is expected to miss the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Entgelttransparenzrichtlinie) deadline set on June 7, 2026. No draft law has been published. If Germany misses the deadline, the directive’s
Germany Shares Crypto Data with Foreign Tax Authorities
From January 1, 2026, crypto exchanges and other crypto asset service providers operating in Germany are required by law to report your transactions to the German tax authority. If you
Germany Plans Shift from 8-Hour Day to Weekly Work Cap
The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition is planning to replace Germany’s daily 8-hour working time limit with a weekly maximum — sparking opposition motions from the Greens and the Left party.
Germany to Buy 40% Stake in Tank Maker KNDS
The German federal government agreed to acquire a 40% stake in KNDS NV, the manufacturer of the Leopard 2 tank, at IPO — with a plan to reduce to 30% within two to three years.
Germany Passed Its New Pharmacy Law
The Bundestag passed the ApoVWG on May 22, giving pharmacies new powers: vaccines, blood draws, rapid tests, and the ability to dispense some medicines without a prescription in urgent cases.
Germany Commits €10 Billion to Civil Defense
The German cabinet adopted the Pakt für den Bevölkerungsschutz on May 20, committing €10 billion to civil defense by 2029 — including NINA app shelter maps, centrally controllable sirens by 2027, and civil protection in school curricula.