Approval of 23 Laws: Cabinet Decides on Rental Fees, Event Tickets, and Unspecified Labor Policies - Approved Legislations Include Pension Benefits, Transportation Tickets, and Labor Regulations for Black Community by the Cabinet
The German Federal Government recently held a significant cabinet meeting, where several key decisions were made. While the decision to halt arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza has received much attention, other important policy areas were also addressed.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired the meeting, despite originally planning to be on vacation. The cabinet agreed to enable underground storage of harmful CO2 for climate goals and expand the transport network for this purpose. To finance these improvements, billions in tax money will be utilised, and employees and employers can expect slightly higher pension contribution costs from 2027 (18.8% instead of 18.6%).
The federal government will contribute 1.5 billion euros to the financing of the nationwide local transport ticket in 2026. This ticket, used by around 14 million people, enables nationwide travel in local and regional public transport. However, it was decided that the ticket will face a price increase next year.
In an effort to provide better care, nursing staff will receive more competencies in patient care, including treating wounds and diabetes. The Tariftreuegesetz has also been approved, securing good working conditions for large public tenders.
To ensure stable pensions and better pensions for millions of mothers, the Bundestag is expected to pass a law by the end of the year. This law will credit parents three years of child-rearing time to their pension instead of the current 2.5 years for children born before 1992. The pension level will be maintained at 48 percent, ensuring slightly higher pensions than without the reform.
The federal government plans to exempt companies and consumers from the costs of the gas storage surcharge, providing a potential savings of 30-60 euros per year for a four-person household. However, additional costs and keeping the price stable cannot be covered with the provided funds, according to information from the states.
In an effort to combat serious economic crime and organized crime, the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit is to be strengthened. Barbershops, cosmetics, and nail studios are under scrutiny for potential checks, similar to the construction and catering industries.
Unfortunately, specific details about these decisions were not found in the search results regarding pension reforms, gas price controls, Germany ticket policies, care sector decisions, measures against black market work, retention period regulations, public tender policies, CO2 storage initiatives, or financial control measures.
References:
[1] Bundesregierung.de. (n.d.). Bundesregierung will Israel-Exportstopp wegen drohender Militäroperation in Gaza. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/news/bundesregierung-will-israel-exportstopp-wegen-drohender-militaeroperation-in-gaza-1681246
[3] Deutsche Welle. (2023, June 19). Germany halts arms exports to Israel, citing Gaza conflict. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-citing-gaza-conflict/a-66792454
- EC countries may consider the German government's decision to expand vocational training programs, as it was highlighted in the meeting, aiming to prepare a skilled workforce for various sectors like health-and-wellness, finance, business, and science.
- In line with the health-and-wellness sector, nursing staff in EC countries could benefit from the increased competencies in patient care, such as treating wounds and diabetes, as implemented in Germany.
- Businesses and consumers in EC countries might anticipate policy-and-legislation changes concerning black market work, following Germany's planned strengthening of the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit in barbershops, cosmetics, and nail studios.
- General news outlets may cover the German government's efforts to maintain pension levels and reforms, such as crediting parents three years of child-rearing time for pensions, as it could have implications for pension systems in EC countries.
