Weekly Update from the German Parliament (Bundestag)

The German government is actively addressing various challenges, focusing on financial support, care for workers, and green energy transition.

In a bid to cushion the financial impact of reduced patient admissions during the pandemic, the federal government is providing financial support to hospitals. This aid aims to alleviate the shortfall experienced by healthcare institutions.

The Regionalization Act has been amended to provide financial resources. The amendment aims to compensate for expected COVID-19 damages in public transportation in 2022, allocating 1.2 billion euros OPEV rescue shield, and to finance the additional costs of the 9-euro ticket, totalling 2.5 billion euros.

The Care Bonus Act is under debate, with the intention of acknowledging the pandemic-related additional burdens in hospitals and long-term care. If passed, the Act will make bonuses that are provided for in collective agreements or voluntarily provided by employers tax-free, up to an amount of 4,500 euros.

Recognising the importance of care workers, the Care Bonus Act will also provide financial recognition to care workers, including those employed by temporary work agencies and members of the DRK sisterhoods.

In an effort to support the economic recovery, the German government is debating the Fourth Corona Tax Relief Act. This Act aims to provide tax relief measures for citizens and businesses. Additionally, the government is debating a bill to temporarily reduce the energy tax to the European minimum level, providing short-term relief to consumers and the economy.

To boost the attractiveness of public transport, the federal government has introduced a discounted public transport ticket called the "9 for 90" ticket. The tariff allows nationwide use of public transport for 9 euros per calendar month from June to August 2022.

The government is also addressing climate policy and energy transitions. Newly approved LNG facilities and gas pipelines must be capable of being converted to hydrogen in the short and medium term (so-called "H2 ready"). Furthermore, the government factions have initiated the LNG Acceleration Act to accelerate licensing and approval procedures for floating and stationary LNG terminals.

In terms of foreign policy, Germany is providing ships and personnel for the training of soldiers of the Lebanese navy to support peace in the Middle East. The government proposal to extend the mandate by one year is expected to be submitted this week, with the personnel ceiling remaining at 300 soldiers.

Germany is also providing one billion euros to cover the costs of childcare, school, health, and care for Ukrainian refugees. More than 400,000 Ukrainian refugees have found protection in Germany, including many students, educators, teachers, and researchers.

The coalition factions have extended the deadline for submitting tax returns for the tax years 2020 to 2024 beyond the periods provided for in the bill. They have also proposed a motion to facilitate access to education and research for refugees from Ukraine.

Lastly, the German federal government has adopted key points for the establishment of the Future Center for German Unity and European Transformation. The Center aims to create a place for practical engagement with societal transformation, strengthening representative democracy, and cohesion in Europe. The details of the Center's establishment and initiatives are yet to be fully disclosed.

Despite the focus on domestic challenges, the German government is also addressing international conflicts, pledging support to train soldiers of the Lebanese navy.
Amidst financial support for healthcare institutions and tax relief measures, the government is eyeing casino-and-gambling as a potential revenue source, contemplating changes to casino-games policy-and-legislation.
In the realm of politics, the debate extends to crime-and-justice, with proposals to address war-and-conflicts-related migration issues more effectively.
As fires continue to pose threats across the country, the government is considering funding for fire departments as part of its disaster management policy.
In response to the rise in car-accidents, stakeholders are calling for tougher traffic laws and improvements in road safety infrastructure.
The German government is emphasizing the importance of general-news reporting, highlighting the role of media in shaping public opinion and fostering an informed society.
With the 2022 NFL and NCAA football seasons approaching, supporters are hoping for policy changes that would allow them to watch games in their favorite casinos.
As the refugee crisis continues, the government is providing financial support for Ukrainian refugees, investing in education, healthcare, and care facilities.
In a bid to strengthen unity, the German government is establishing the Future Center for German Unity and European Transformation, focusing on societal transformation, representative democracy, and cohesion in Europe.