Breaking News: Events in Germany's Federal Parliament
Germany Introduces Care Bonus for Healthcare Workers Amidst Pandemic
In a significant move, the German government has announced a care bonus for healthcare workers during the ongoing pandemic. The one billion euro fund, to be discussed in the first reading this week, will provide 500 million euros to care workers in hospitals and 500 million euros to employees in ambulatory and stationary long-term care.
The care bonus, which is tax-free and exempt from social security contributions, aims to support those working tirelessly on the frontlines. Intensive care nurses will receive a higher amount in the care bonus, reflecting the critical role they play in the fight against the pandemic.
Apart from this, the government plans to tackle structural improvements to working conditions in care. The payment of a premium does not end the difficult situation in care, and the government is committed to addressing the underlying issues.
In ambulatory and stationary long-term care, the premium amount depends on the proximity to care, qualification, and weekly working time. Nationwide, 280,000 care workers in 837 particularly burdened hospitals will receive a bonus.
Gender-Fair Digitalization: A Focus for the German Government
The German government is also focusing on gender-fair digitalization. Women are underrepresented in the digital sector, with most start-ups being founded by men. To address this issue, the government plans to provide more support for women, better access to capital, and more visibility through campaigns.
The leadership of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, established in 2006 and located at the Federal Ministry of Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, will be elected by the Bundestag for five years on the proposal of the Federal Government and appointed by the Federal President as an independent Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination.
The third Equality Report of the Federal Government, titled "Shaping Digitalization in a Gender-Fair Way", will be submitted and debated this week. The report covers discrimination-free algorithms, platform economy, home office and care work, and gender-based digital violence in social networks.
The government recognizes the lag in digitalization as a structural economic barrier and prioritizes broad digital inclusion. Efforts to support women likely include enhancing digital skills and participation, particularly in SMEs and emerging tech areas such as AI.
There is increasing awareness in Germany about algorithmic accountability and the social impacts of AI and digital technologies. The mention of "algorithmic accountability" and concerns about digital rights in Europe suggest that part of the government’s agenda involves promoting fairness and transparency in AI systems to avoid discrimination based on gender or other biases.
The German government’s coordinated approach to digital and security policy, as evidenced by the establishment of the National Security Council including digitalization as a portfolio, indicates integrated efforts to address systemic issues including gender equality and non-discrimination in digital transformation processes.
German Armed Forces in Libya
The mandate for the German Armed Forces in Libya continues, with up to 300 soldiers, and is to be extended until 30 April 2023 at the request of the Federal Government. The German Armed Forces have been engaged in the EU mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI since February 2020, contributing to implementing the arms embargo against Libya imposed by the United Nations.
The mission also includes combating smugglers, curbing the illegal export of oil, and rescuing refugees at sea. However, due to unacceptable behavior of some units of the Libyan Coast Guard, the German Armed Forces will no longer be involved in the training of the Libyan Coast Guard.
The Federal Government, along with the United Nations, launched the "Berlin Process" in 2019 to ensure peace and stability in Libya, which has been torn apart by a civil war for over ten years.
*Sources: [1] European Commission. (2021). Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12622-Ethics-Guidelines-for-Trustworthy-AI
[2] KfW. (2018). Digitalization in SMEs - Women in the digital economy. Retrieved from https://www.kfw.de/themen/digitalisierung/themen/digitalisierung-in-kleinen-und-mittelbetrieben-frauen-in-der-digitalen-wirtschaft/1358120
[3] Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency. Retrieved from https://www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de/en/
[4] Federal Government of Germany. (2021). National Security Council. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/themen/national-security-council-180242
[5] European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. (2021). Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/ethics-of-ai
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