Weekly developments in the German Federal Parliament, Bundestag
Germany's Latest Policy Updates
In a series of recent developments, the German government has proposed several changes and initiatives aimed at various sectors. Here's a roundup of some of the key announcements:
Military
The German military, or Bundeswehr, continues to be engaged in international missions. However, as of August 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating an ongoing debate or proposal to extend the German Armed Forces' mandate in Kosovo.
On a different note, the government has proposed to increase the upper limit of soldiers deployed in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon to 400. Meanwhile, Germany intends to rejoin the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the deployment of two liaison and observation teams of the Bundeswehr. The mandate for the German participation in the EUFOR ALTHEA mission has an upper limit of 50 soldiers and is valid until June 30, 2023.
Education and Finance
In the education sector, the application process for BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) is being simplified. Students with children will benefit from an increase in the childcare allowance by five percent. One-year study periods in countries outside the EU can now be funded.
To support students further, the coalition factions are introducing a bill to increase and speed up the expansion of wind turbines on land, setting binding area targets for the states. The age limit to receive BAföG is being raised to 45 years, and the income thresholds for parents eligible for BAföG are being raised, ensuring that many more people will receive it. Those living abroad will benefit from an increase in the housing allowance to 360 euros.
Health and Law
The federal government proposes to repeal the criminal provision for advertising abortion in § 219a StGB, allowing physicians to inform about abortions without fearing criminal prosecution. This move aims to ensure that women have free and accurate access to medical information about abortions, particularly for unintentionally pregnant women to make self-determined decisions.
The draft bill also provides for the establishment of a gas replacement reserve on call until March 31, 2024, to replace gas-fired power plants with coal and mineral oil power plants. The regulations for online notarization will come into effect on August 1, 2022, for legal entities and on August 1, 2023, for associations. Online notarizations will be applicable to unanimously passed resolutions to amend the articles of association.
Investigations and Committees
The Bundestag is establishing an inquiry committee to investigate the federal government's actions regarding the withdrawal of German and NATO forces from Afghanistan. A draft bill is being concluded to implement the European directive on transparent and predictable working conditions into national law.
Lastly, the German government has decided to begin planning the construction of a new documentation center "Second World War and German Occupation Rule in Europe."
These updates reflect the German government's commitment to addressing various issues and improving the lives of its citizens and those abroad. For the latest precise details on these matters, official sources from the German Ministry of Defence or NATO would be required.
In the realm of environmental science and climate-change policy-and-legislation, the coalition factions plan to increase and speed up the expansion of wind turbines on land, setting binding area targets for the states. This move aims to support students financially, as they will now receive BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) for a longer period and with higher allowances. In the general news, the German government has announced the planning of a new documentation center, "Second World War and German Occupation Rule in Europe." These decisions highlight the government's dedication to both environmental conservation and historical awareness.
