Parliamentary proceedings this week in the German Bundestag
In the realm of politics, Germany is making significant strides in various sectors. Here's a rundown of some of the latest policy developments:
Agriculture and Organic Farming
The traffic light coalition aims to increase the share of organic farming areas in Germany to 30 percent. Out-of-home catering facilities are seen as an important lever for this. The federal government is currently working on a Bio-AHSV regulation to regulate the labeling, certification, and control of organic products in out-of-home catering at the national level.
Water Management
Germany currently does not face a nationwide water shortage, but droughts occur in the northeast and east. To ensure sufficient and sustainable clean water, the federal government has launched the first National Water Strategy. This strategy includes an action plan with around 80 measures to be implemented across sectors and in cooperation with state actors, the water industry, and all water-using areas by 2030.
Labour Market
The federal government is debating a bill to promote an inclusive labor market. Employers who hire a severely disabled person immediately previously employed in a workshop for disabled persons or with another service provider will have their workplace counted double in the calculation of mandatory workplaces for the first two years of employment. The bill also introduces a fourth stage of the equalization tax for employers, increasing the penalty for "zero-employers" to 720 euros per month.
Employment Promotion
The revenues from the equalization tax will be invested in employment promotion on the general labor market. The final report of an interministerial working group presents a key finding: During the pandemic, psychological stress and disorders among children and young people have increased significantly. As a result, benefits from the integration office will be approved more quickly, such as for job assistance or career guidance.
Digitalization of Energy Transition
A bill is being passed by the coalition factions to restart the digitalization of the energy transition. The aim is to equip as many households as possible with an intelligent metering system by 2030.
Animal Husbandry
To support livestock operations in species-appropriate husbandry, a draft bill is being introduced to amend the Building Code to simplify the planning permission process for the conversion of stalls. With the Animal Husbandry Labeling Act, a legal obligation is created to label food of animal origin with the form of husbandry of the animals from which the food was obtained.
Military Missions
Germany will participate in the leadership structures of the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) and provide mobile teams on a time-limited basis. The mandate for EUMPM Niger includes an upper limit of 60 soldiers, is regularly evaluated, and is limited until May 31, 2024. The goal of EUMPM Niger is to improve the capabilities of the Nigerien armed forces to contain terrorist threats, protect the population, and ensure a safe environment.
Bundeswehr Reforms
The Russian attack on Ukraine has led to the need for reform in the Bundeswehr, including more investment in material procurement, infrastructure, and personnel. The Bundeswehr must also become a more attractive employer to reach a strength of 203,000 soldiers by 2031.
Health Effects of COVID-19 on Children and Young People
An interministerial working group has been consulting with representatives of the states and experts from science and civil society since November 2022 on the health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people.
For the precise current status and scope of Germany's participation in EUMPM Niger, consult the latest publicly available official communications from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the German Federal Ministry of Defence or Foreign Affairs, or recent press releases or updates from the EU Security and Defence bodies.
- In the realm of politics, Germany is debating a bill to promote an inclusive labor market and advance the digitalization of energy transition.
- The federal government is also working on policy-and-legislation for water management, animal husbandry, and military missions, including participating in the leadership structures of EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger.
