Weekly happenings at the Federal Diet (Bundestag)
Germany Extends COVID-19 Measures for Legal Certainty
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring legal clarity and public safety. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
Extension of Border Checks
Germany's border checks at external borders will be extended beyond September 2025, reflecting ongoing concerns despite the easing of some pandemic measures. This was announced by the Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, in August 2025, emphasizing that border controls including refusal of entry will continue for legal certainty and public health protection.
Punishment for Forgery of Vaccination Certificates
Germany has laws in place to penalize the falsification of COVID-19 vaccination documents, which is considered a criminal offense. The forgery and use of fake vaccination certificates are punishable by law to ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain trust in pandemic control measures.
Judicial Digitalization and Virtual Hearings
The pandemic has accelerated the German judiciary's move towards digitalization to enhance legal certainty and accessibility. Courts have adopted virtual hearings and expanded electronic filing and communication systems, such as the special electronic attorney mailbox (beA), which is now mandatory for submissions by lawyers. By January 2026, electronic file handling will become compulsory for courts, improving procedural efficiency and legal certainty in pandemic-related cases and beyond.
In addition to these measures, the following developments have been announced:
- The federal states are encouraged to continue issuing effective but fundamental rights-compliant protective measures due to the rapid spread of the virus among the unvaccinated.
- The regulations for simplified access to basic security are extended until March 20, 2022.
- The preparation of blank vaccination certificates and their trade will be punishable.
- Special regulations for parental sick leave are extended, allowing for 30 parental sick days for couples and 60 for single parents, until the end of 2022.
- The main committee can discuss drafts and submit resolution recommendations to the plenary until the permanent committees are established.
- The forgery of vaccination certificates will be explicitly punishable.
- The committee for election review, immunity, and rules of procedure is established, and the members of the election review committee are elected.
These measures aim to ensure legal clarity and enforcement during the pandemic while adapting procedural practices for efficiency and public safety. The German parliament, established on November 11, 2021, including the main committee, the petition committee, and the committee for election review, immunity, and rules of procedure, will play a crucial role in overseeing these developments.
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