Weekly updates from the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)

The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are currently involved in several international missions, with a focus on security and stability in various regions.

In Sudan, there is evidence suggesting that the Sudanese Armed Forces evacuated from the Sudan-Egypt-Libya triangle in June 2025, indicating heightened security or conflict in the region. However, there is no explicit confirmation of a current German Armed Forces mandate for evacuation operations in Sudan. Given Germany’s active role in international security and evacuation efforts historically, it is reasonable to infer that Germany may be participating in or supporting evacuation missions as part of international coalitions or UN-mandated operations in Sudan and its border regions.

Regarding the UN arms embargo against Libya, the embargo remains active, with various international actors supporting enforcement. Germany typically contributes through NATO or EU missions to such embargo enforcement, but no specific recent mandate detail is provided in the current results.

Moving on to domestic policies, the German government is taking several measures to improve the country's training and education system, as well as addressing structural change. From January 1, 2024, the children's passport valid for only one year will be abolished. The electronic identity verification function of the ID card will be available for use from the age of 13, instead of the current 16. A new reason for passport denial will be introduced in cases where certain facts indicate that the passport applicant will commit certain sexual offenses abroad.

The German government is also advocating for a "carbon management strategy" that should be created in cooperation with various actors from the economy and society. The aim of this strategy is 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.

To tackle structural change, a new instrument, the qualification allowance, is being introduced. This wage replacement benefit is for employees whose jobs are at risk due to structural change. All companies will be eligible for further training support in the future, and if young people start an apprenticeship in another region, they can receive a mobility allowance for a monthly family visit.

In the case of micro-enterprises, a written declaration from the employer is sufficient. Qualified consumer associations registered with the Federal Office of Justice can bring a representative action against a trader to assert claims of consumers. A new type of lawsuit for collective redress, the injunctive relief action, will be introduced in a new Consumer Protection Enforcement Act (CPEA).

In addition, Germany will provide mobile teams for a limited period of time for the EU Military Partnership Mission (EUMPM) in Niger. The aim 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. Germany will participate in the leadership structures of EUMPM Niger and will provide up to 60 soldiers, with the mandate regularly evaluated and limited until May 31, 2024.

It is important to note that a participation of the German Armed Forces in combat operations is explicitly excluded. Data exchange between ID cards, residence permit cards, and eID cards will be simplified and responsibilities clarified after a move. 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.

Short vocational orientation internships in training companies will be promoted to help young people find apprenticeships. The course fees for these internships can be fully or partially refunded. If young people do not find an in-company apprenticeship and live in a region with too few apprenticeship places, they can claim an out-of-company apprenticeship.

Lastly, the draft bill for the modernization of the passport, ID card, and alien law document system will be discussed this week. The draft bill aims to make the training and further education system fit for the future, and the federal government has advised on the draft bill for the implementation of the EU Collective Redress Directive, which aims to strengthen consumer rights.

In summary, the German Armed Forces are involved in various international missions, with a focus on security and stability in Sudan and Libya. Domestically, the German government is taking several measures to improve the country's training and education system, address structural change, and protect the environment.

The Bundeswehr is actively participating in several international missions, focusing on security and stability.
Evidence suggests that the Sudanese Armed Forces evacuated from the Sudan-Egypt-Libya triangle in June 2025, indicating possible conflict.
While there is no confirmed German Armed Forces mandate for evacuation operations in Sudan, it's reasonable to assume their involvement in international coalitions or UN-mandated operations.
The UN arms embargo against Libya remains active, with various international actors supporting enforcement.
Germany typically contributes to embargo enforcement through NATO or EU missions, but no recent mandate details are provided.
As of January 1, 2024, the one-year valid children's passport will be abolished in Germany.
The electronic identity verification function of the ID card will be available for 13-year-olds, down from the current 16.
A new reason for passport denial will be introduced for suspected sexual offenses abroad.
The German government is advocating for a "carbon management strategy" to improve ecosystem conditions and resilience.
By 2026, the federal government intends to spend a total of four billion euros from the Climate and Transformation Fund on this strategy.
To tackle structural change, a new instrument, the qualification allowance, is being introduced.
This wage replacement benefit is for employees whose jobs are at risk due to structural change.
All companies will be eligible for further training support in the future.
If young people start an apprenticeship in another region, they can receive a mobility allowance for monthly family visits.
For micro-enterprises, a written declaration from the employer is sufficient.
Qualified consumer associations can bring representative actions against traders to assert consumers' claims.
A new type of lawsuit for collective redress, the injunctive relief action, will be introduced in a new Consumer Protection Enforcement Act (CPEA).
Germany will provide mobile teams for a limited period for the EU Military Partnership Mission (EUMPM) in Niger.
The aim of EUMPM Niger is to improve the capabilities of the Nigerien armed forces to contain terrorist threats.
Germany will participate in the leadership structures of EUMPM Niger and provide up to 60 soldiers.
Participation of the German Armed Forces in combat operations is explicitly ruled out.
Data exchange between ID cards, residence permit cards, and eID cards will be simplified and responsibilities clarified.
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.
Short vocational orientation internships in training companies will be promoted to help young people find apprenticeships.
The course fees for these internships can be fully or partially refunded.
If young people do not find an in-company apprenticeship and live in a region with too few apprenticeship places, they can claim an out-of-company apprenticeship.
The draft bill for the modernization of the passport, ID card, and alien law document system will be discussed this week, aiming to make the training and further education system fit for the future.