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
News
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.
Germany Updates Ecodesign Rules
The Bundestag voted on May 21, 2026, to modernize Germany’s national rules implementing EU regulations on ecodesign (Ökodesign) and energy labeling (Energieverbrauchskennzeichnung). The law updates the framework that sets What ecodesign and
Germany Proposes Cuts to Parental Allowance (Elterngeld)
The German government is considering four cuts to parental allowance (Elterngeld): a lower income threshold, a reduced payout percentage, a shorter claim period, and mandatory father months. Family Minister Karin Prien has presented proposals to save €540 million by 2027.
Drug-Facilitated Rape a Weapon-Equivalent Crime – Germany
The German government has made it a crime equivalent to using a weapon if you drug someone with knock-out drops (K.o.-Tropfen) before sexually assaulting or robbing them. The minimum prison