Summer Time Updates: Maternity Leave Expansion, Electricity Switchover, Veterans' Day, and More!
Significant advancements in maternity safety and additional modifications anticipated in June - Significant advancements in maternal safety, and anticipated changes for the month of June
Get your summer plans in order, folks! As we bid adieu to the chilly spring and welcome warmer days, there's a truckload of exciting updates hitting the scene. Here's a roundup of the most exciting happenings in June:
Emotional Support for Women Experiencing Miscarriage
Expecting moms facing a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy can now take heart. Starting June 1st, a guaranteed recovery period awaits them. This new entitlement is designed to offer emotional and physical relief after such an ordeal. The duration of leave varies according to the time of the miscarriage.
National Veterans Day and Honoring Heroes
On June 15th, we salute the bravest of the brave – our veterans! For the first time in history, they will be celebrated at a national Veterans Day event in front of the Reichstag in Berlin. Anyone who served in Germany's military, whether active duty or honorably discharged, is regarded as a veteran. Prepare your moment of silence – it's going to be one heck of a solemn tribute!
Streamlined Switching of Electricity Providers
Starting June 6th, switching electricity providers is as easy as pie – or cake, if you're partial to desserts! The EU directive aims to have this process take no longer than a day. However, existing contract cancellation periods remain intact, and retroactive registrations – like when you move – are now a thing of the past.
Accessibility for All on the Web
From June 28th, online retailers need to ensure their platforms are accessible for everyone, including persons with disabilities. This is all part of the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance, which also applies to banking services and transportation company apps and websites.
Bye-Bye School, Hello Summer Break!
Summer vacation is just around the corner for massive numbers of students. The first to call it quits will be pupils in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, on June 27th. As always, Bavaria hangs on till August 1st – the last federal state to join the holiday fun. Starting August 1st to 10th, all German students will savor about a week of summer bliss.
Brace Yourselves for Green Smartphones
Mark your calendars! On June 20th, new EU regulations for eco-friendly smartphones and wireless devices kick in. Expect manufacturers to take up measures like meeting minimum resistance standards, ensuring battery capacity retention of at least 80% after 800 charge cycles, and providing spare parts for seven years post-cease of sales.
Caravan and Motorhome Safety Checks
All you passionate camper van owners, listen up! Starting June 19th, you'll need proof of regular expert checks for gas installations in your vehicles. This is in response to the amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) aimed at reducing accidents while heating, cooling, and cooking in caravans and motorhomes.
Tax Filing Deadline Approaching
If you're among those with a tax return to file for 2023 and you rely on a tax consultant or tax assistance association, remember to note the deadline – June 2nd.
- Miscarriage Support
- Veterans' Day
- Electricity Providers
- Web Accessibility
- Holiday Fun
- Smartphone Regulations
- Safety Checks for Caravans & Motorhomes
- Tax Filing
- The new community policy on guaranteed recovery leaves for women experiencing miscarriages after the 13th week of pregnancy starts from June 1st.
- June 15th marks National Veterans Day, a historic event where veterans will be celebrated at a national event in front of the Berlin Reichstag.
- Starting June 6th, under the EU directive, switching electricity providers should take no longer than a day.
- The Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance, effective from June 28th, requires online retailers and banking services to ensure their platforms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
- Schools in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia will go on summer break starting June 27th, while Bavaria will hold out till August 1st.
- On June 20th, new EU regulations for eco-friendly smartphones and wireless devices will be implemented, with manufacturers expected to meet certain standards for battery capacity and spare parts.
- Proof of regular expert checks for gas installations in caravans and motorhomes will be required starting June 19th. Additionally, tax filings for the 2023 tax return should be completed by the consultant or tax assistance association by June 2nd.
