Changes that happened in Germany in June 2023
Changes that happened in Germany in June 2023
In June 2023, Germany, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic strength, witnessed several significant changes. This article aims to outline key events that have taken place in Germany during this time, including governmental advancements and societal shifts. The summer months have arrived, bringing sweltering days, breezy bike rides, and opportunities to cool off in the lakes. Additionally, more than 10 million people in Germany now possess a 49-euro Deutschlandticket. Let’s look into the specifics and the developments affecting the country.
1. “Kulturpass” for all new 18-year-olds
Starting in the middle of June, the German government will distribute government-funded Kulturpass (cultural pass) to all German teenagers who are expected to turn 18 in 2023. The pass will be a coupon worth 200 euros that teenagers may use to affordably purchase books, records, tickets to concerts, movies, and museums. The Kulturpass smartphone app entitles all 18-year-olds who reside in Germany, regardless of their citizenship, to receive their pass.
2. Passenger rights on Deutsche Bahn will change
Deutsche Bahn, the continent’s largest rail operator, has given the public additional reasons to complain just in time for the summer rush of 49-euro ticket excursions. Deutsche Bahn will no longer allow passengers to file claims for compensation for specific accidents that the rail company claims are out of its control, starting from June 7. This includes severe weather, someone climbing over the tracks, and cable theft. You can no longer rely on receiving a reimbursement for your inconveniences if your train is delayed due to any of these factors.
3. NATO exercise to disrupt passenger flights
The largest air exercise in NATO history is called “Air Defender 23.” The operation, which will take place between June 12 and June 23, 2023, will comprise 220 aircraft from 24 NATO allies and around 10.000 ground, air, and support forces. The 220 aircraft will carry out their drills over Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Netherlands, and Czechia. The majority of the activity, though, will be visible over Lachfeld, Bavaria. Significant airspace in southern Germany will be blocked to commercial flights for some of the exercise.
4. Baukindergeld subsidy to be replaced
Germany up until last year offered a subsidy known as Baukindergeld (construction child support payment) to families looking to construct or purchase a home. But starting in June, a new loan scheme called “Home Ownership for Families” (WEF) will take its place. The government will give the subsidy to families with low to moderate earnings, and they will scale it according to their annual income. The family must reside in the property itself and it must be a new construction or first purchase in order to qualify for the program. Additionally, the annual household income cannot be greater than €60,000. This sum rises by an additional €10,000 for each kid. The smaller-amount loans range in size from €140,000 to €240,000.
5. Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt will close in 20 German cities
A mainstay of many German high streets, Galeria Kaufhof and partner business Karstadt announced in March that they will be closing 52 locations nationwide. By the end of June 2023, the first 21 stores will close, and the final 31 stores will vanish by the end of January 2024. Hamburg, Munich, Leipzig, and 17 other German cities will all close their stores for the summer. Afterward, branches in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Bremen, and 35 additional sites will permanently close as of January 31, 2024. Kaufhof currently employs 17,400 retail workers across 129 stores countrywide. According to the Kaufhof-Kardstadt Workers Council, the closures will result in the loss of an estimated 5,000 jobs.
6. Pharmacy Workers to go on strike
German pharmacy staff members will strike on June 14 in opposition to the government’s health-care initiatives. Representative Gabriela Regina of the Federal Association of German Pharmacists (ABDA) stated that “supply bottlenecks, staff shortages, and underfunding that has existed for years” brought about the nationwide protest day in Germany. The federal government routinely ignores the issues with public pharmacies in its legislative initiatives, Regina continued, which “destabilizes the supply of medicines in Germany.” Emergency branches at the Apotheke will still be open on June 14 if you’re unlucky enough to need to visit.
7. The Corona Warn App has finally been removed.
The Corona warning app will enter “Ruhemodus” (sleep mode) on June 1st, almost three years after its release. It will no longer receive updates and will no longer be available in the Apple and Google app stores. However, if a user has kept their vaccination records there and wants to keep using them, they can keep the app on their phone. The contact journal feature will also continue to exist. The app had already stopped alerting users who had touch with an infected person as of May.
Conclusion
Changes in Germany in June 2023 demonstrate the country’s continuous dedication to development, sustainability, and social welfare. The new German government prioritizes environmental regulations, digital transformation, and social reforms to tackle critical challenges and shape a better future. Germany is preparing to set new global standards in various fields, establishing its leadership and serving as an example for others.
Read more at How To Abroad:
Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
Living Costs for Students in Germany in 2023
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