Changes in Maternity Protection, Veterans Benefits, and Electricity Regulations taking effect in June.
Summer heralds the commencement of vacation season for caravan and motorhome owners, as various changes and events are set to unfold in Germany starting June.
Maternity Leave for Miscarriage
Women who experience miscarriages after the 13th week of pregnancy will now be entitled to maternity leave. This legislation provides affected individuals with a legally guaranteed recovery period, allowing them to physically and mentally recover from such a distressing event. The entitlements will depend on the timing of the miscarriage.
National Veterans' Day
On June 15th, German Armed Forces veterans will be honored for the first time as part of a national Veterans' Day. The central event will take place in front of the Reichstag in Berlin, with numerous events held nationwide. Anyone who is or has been a soldier in the German Armed Forces is considered a veteran.
Streamlined Switching of Electricity Providers
Starting June 6th, switching electricity providers in Germany is anticipated to take no more than 24 hours, as per an EU directive designed to increase competition. Despite this expedited process, existing contract notice periods will remain in effect. Retroactive registrations, such as when moving, will no longer be possible.
Enhanced Accessibility for Online Retail
From June 28th, online retailers in Germany will be mandated to offer barrier-free access to their portals for people with disabilities. This is due to the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance. This rule applies to various services, including banking and transport company apps and websites.
Approaching Summer Holidays
With the school year nearing its end, millions of students are preparing for their summer vacations. Although school holiday dates may vary by state, children and young people in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia are scheduled to finish school on June 27th, while Bavaria will be the last federal state to start on August 1st. Germany's students can expect a week-long summer break from August 10th.
EU Regulations for Smartphones
New eco-design requirements of the European Union for smartphones and other cordless phones will go into effect on June 20th. These regulations stipulate that phones must meet a minimum level of robustness, retain at least 80% of their battery capacity after at least 800 charging cycles, and manufacturers must provide spare parts for seven years after the device is no longer sold. These measures aim to minimize the environmental impact of these devices.
Mandatory Gas Checks for Caravans and Motorhomes
Commencing June 19th, owners of caravans and motorhomes with liquid gas installations will be required to provide proof of regular expert checks. This amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) aims to reduce the risk of accidents while heating, cooling, and cooking in campers.
Deadline for Tax Return Submission
Individuals who are required to submit a tax return for 2023 and are advised by a tax consultant or a tax assistance association should take note of the June 2nd deadline for submission.
Sources:[1] Muttergeldreform nachgetestet[2] Neuer Enkelvorschlag[3] Veteranentag stattfindet zum ersten Mal[4] Energieversorgung fällt schneller weg[5] Barrierefrei-Internet und Apps[6] Elternzeit wird länger[7] Sommerferien holen 2023 los[8] Neue EU-Regeln benötigen Schrottsammler[9] StVZO: Grillgas im Camping wagen sollten regelmäßig überprüft werden[10] Steuererklärung muss bis 2. Juni bearbeitet werden.
- Beginning June 2nd, individuals who require a tax return for 2023 and are consulted by a tax advisor or tax assistance association should be mindful of the submission deadline.
- From June 6th, switching electricity providers in Germany will be simplified, with the process anticipated to take no more than 24 hours due to an EU directive aiming to increase competition.
- The EU will implement new eco-design requirements for smartphones and other cordless phones from June 20th, which stipulate phones must meet a minimum level of robustness, retain at least 80% of their battery capacity after a specified number of charging cycles, and manufacturers must provide spare parts for seven years after the device is no longer sold.
- The legislation providing maternity leave for women who experience miscarriages after the 13th week of pregnancy will come into effect, offering affected individuals a legally guaranteed recovery period.
- National Veterans' Day will be observed for the first time on June 15th, honoring veterans of the German Armed Forces, with the central event taking place in front of the Reichstag in Berlin.
- With the school year approaching its end, millions of students are preparing for their summer vacations. States like Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia are scheduled to finish school on June 27th, while Bavaria will be the last federal state to start on August 1st, with a week-long summer break planned from August 10th.
- Commencing June 19th, owners of caravans and motorhomes with liquid gas installations will be required to provide proof of regular expert checks, as per an amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), to reduce the risk of accidents while heating, cooling, and cooking in campers.
