JULY 2024: The Key Changes in Germany
Cannabis Social Clubs Open From July 1, 2024, Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) will begin operating in Germany. These clubs, with up to 500 members each, can distribute up to 50 grams of cannabis per person per month. Consumption is not allowed within 100 meters of the clubs' entrance. This move follows the legalization of personal cannabis use on April 1, 2024, permitting adults over 18 to grow up to three plants, keep up to 50 grams at home, and carry up to 25 grams in public.
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Gas Prices Increase Gas prices will rise due to Trading Hub Europe GmbH increasing the fee for gas storage from 1.86 euros to 2.50 euros per megawatt hour (MWh). While the exact impact on consumer bills is not yet clear, households should prepare for higher utility costs.
Tenant Choice for Cable TV As of July 1, tenants in Germany can decide whether to pay for a cable TV connection. This changes a law from the 1980s that allowed landlords to charge tenants automatically through home utilities. Tenants should review their rental agreements or last year's utility bills to understand their current arrangements.
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Pension Payments Increase Pensioners will receive a 4.57 percent increase in their monthly payments starting in July. Those who began receiving a reduced earning capacity pension between January 2001 and June 2014 will get a 7.5 percent increase, and those from July 2014 to December 2018 will see a 4.5 percent rise.
Expanded Mammogram Screenings Statutory health insurance companies will offer free mammogram screenings for breast cancer prevention to women up to the age of 75, starting July 1. Previously, the age limit was 69 years.
Attached Drink Caps From July 3, all plastic bottles up to three liters must have caps that remain attached even after opening. This law aims to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.
Black Box Systems in New Cars From July 7, all new cars and commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes registered in Germany must be equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), which stores information about the vehicle in case of an accident.
School Holidays Begin School holidays start in July for 11 German states, with different start dates:
July 8: North Rhine-Westphalia
July 15: Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland
July 18: Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg
July 22: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein
July 25: Baden-Württemberg
July 29: Bavaria
MP Pay Rise German Members of Parliament (MPs) will receive a 6 percent pay increase from July 1, raising their monthly income to 11,227.20 euros. This adjustment is based on the nominal wage development.
Galeries Lafayette Berlin Closure The Galeries Lafayette store on Friedrichstraße in Berlin will close at the end of July, affecting around 190 employees. Plans to convert the building into a public library are being discussed, supported by various experts and political representatives.
Pride Marches Continue Local pride events will continue throughout July in various German cities, culminating in the major pride march in Berlin on July 27.
Euro 2024 Final in Berlin The final match of the Euro 2024 will take place on July 14 at Berlin's Olympiastadion.
By staying informed about these changes, expats in Germany can better navigate their daily lives and make the most of their experience in the country.
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