Weekly Updates from the German Parliament (Bundestag)

In recent developments, Germany has taken active roles in various international missions and initiatives, shaping its presence on the global stage. Here's a look at some of the key points:

Enforcement of Unjust Enrichment Claims

Claims for unjust enrichment will soon be easier to enforce, allowing for effective recovery of illegal profits from scattered damages. This move aims to strengthen consumer protection and business accountability within the European Union.

German Armed Forces and the EU Mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI

Since February 2020, the German Armed Forces have been participating in the EU mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, contributing significantly to the implementation of the arms embargo against Libya. However, as of mid-August 2025, there are no direct search results indicating current German military operations in enforcing the UN arms embargo against Libya.

Sudan's Internal Struggle

Sudan is currently facing a threat of disintegration due to a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The German Armed Forces have been conducting evacuation flights from Jordan to bring German and European citizens to safety in response to the situation in Sudan.

Cross-Border Redress Claims and Consumer Protection

Qualified institutions from other EU member states may bring cross-border redress claims in German courts, and a new type of claim, the redress claim, will be introduced for collective redress, regulated together with the already established model declaratory actions in a new Consumer Protection Enforcement Act (CPEA).

Climate Protection and Natural Resources

The Carbon Dioxide Storage Act (CSA) requires an evaluation report on the latest scientific findings, the state of the art, environmental impacts, and economic framework conditions every four years. In December 2022, the federal government adopted an updated evaluation report, focusing on a "carbon management strategy" that is created in cooperation with various actors from the economy and society.

The Action Program Natural Climate Protection includes measures to improve the condition and resilience of ecosystems in Germany, with a focus on the climate protection performance of ecosystems. A total of four billion euros from the Climate and Transformation Fund will be spent by the federal government by 2026.

Immigration Law and Work Opportunities

A new immigration law in Germany will offer a future in Germany to all people who are sufficiently vocationally qualified or experienced, or have other valuable potential, opening up more opportunities for people from non-EU countries to work in Germany.

EU Collective Redress Directive and Consumer Rights

The EU Collective Redress Directive strengthens consumer rights, making it easier for consumers to clarify and enforce claims, and providing faster legal certainty for companies. The draft bill of the federal government for the implementation of the EU collective redress directive will be discussed in the first reading in the Bundestag this week, and must enter into force by June 25, 2023.

Peace Process in Ethiopia

A motion to be discussed in the Bundestag this week wants to support the peace process in Ethiopia, which could pave the way for a sustainable peace after a two-year civil war. The motion calls for the close involvement of the population and suitable representatives of Tigray, finding a solution for the future of the disputed areas in the West Tigray region, and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access to the Tigray region. The withdrawal of Eritrean troops fighting on the side of the Ethiopian government is also demanded.

Modernization of Passport, ID Card, and Alien Law Document System

The draft bill of the federal government for the modernization of the passport, ID card, and alien law document system will be discussed in the first reading this week. It is planned that the function of the ID card for electronic identification can be used from the age of 13 in the future, instead of the current 16.

Qualification Allowance and Coping with Structural Change

The qualification allowance is a new tool for coping with structural change, available to employees whose jobs are at risk due to structural change, but who can secure future employment in the same company through further training.

Short-Time Work and Further Training

Companies can continue to receive half of the social security contributions refunded if their employees undergo further training during short-time work - until July 31, 2024. Furthermore, the course fees can be refunded in full or in part.

Military Partnership Missions

Germany will participate in the leadership structures of the mission in close coordination with the EU, the United Nations, and international partners on the ground and will temporarily provide mobile teams. The mandate to be discussed in the Bundestag this week for the military partnership mission "EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger" includes an upper limit of 60 soldiers, is regularly evaluated, and is limited in time until May 31, 2024.

Preventing Child Abuse Abroad

To prevent child abuse abroad, a new reason for passport refusal will be introduced in cases where certain facts indicate that the passport applicant may commit certain sexual offenses abroad.

Addressing Issues in Libya and Niger

Libya is divided politically due to a civil war that has been ongoing for more than ten years, and violations of the United Nations arms embargo, the high number of foreign mercenaries, and Islamic terrorist organizations threaten the peace process in the country. The goal of EUMPM Niger is to improve the capabilities of the Nigerien armed forces to contain terrorist threats, protect the population, and create a secure environment.

In Sudan and Libya, the situations remain complex and require ongoing monitoring. While Germany has been involved in humanitarian efforts in Sudan and has taken steps to curb arms exports to potentially volatile regions, there is currently no direct evidence of active military operations by the German Armed Forces in enforcing the UN arms embargo against Libya or in evacuations from Sudan.

Germany's active role in global affairs extends to policy-and-legislation, as seen in its contributions to the EU Collective Redress Directive, aiming to strengthen consumer rights and facilitate collective redress. Additionally, politics and general news have been shaped by Germany's involvement in military partnership missions, such as the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger, where it temporarily provides mobile teams.