In June, there will be some changes to cable television, the hurdles to German citizenship will be lowered and elections will be held in Europe. An overview
The hurdles on the way to German citizenship are being lowered and elections are being held in Europe. What else is changing in June – an overview.
European elections
In the European elections on June 9, young people aged 16 and over will be allowed to vote for the first time in Germany. This means that the number of eligible voters has increased from around 61.5 million in the last election in 2019 to around 65 million people in this election.
Faster access to citizenship
Immigrants will be able to obtain German citizenship more quickly in the future. The reform of citizenship law will come into force on June 27. Naturalization will now be possible after five years instead of the previous eight, and in the case of “special integration efforts” even after three years. Multiple citizenship will also be permitted. For former guest or contract workers in the GDR, they will only have to prove oral German language skills to be naturalized and will no longer have to take a naturalization test.
Change in cable television
Millions of tenants must have clarified by June 30th at the latest how they will continue to watch television in their apartments. From July onwards, landlords will no longer be allowed to add TV fees to the additional costs. For years, this practice affected around twelve million tenants.
No more plastic card for Bahncard 25 and 50
From June 9, the Bahncard 25 and 50 will only be available in digital form. To use the subscription digitally, customers need a profile in the Bahn app or on the bahn.de platform. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can print out a replacement document. Existing plastic cards can be used until the expiry date printed on them.
Opportunity map
From June, people from non-EU countries who are willing to work can come to Germany for a year to look for a job with the so-called Opportunity Card. The basic requirement is at least two years of vocational training or a university degree in the country of origin and language skills in German or English. Depending on language skills, professional experience, age and connection to Germany, interested parties receive points that entitle them to receive the Opportunity Card.
Mobile-to-mobile payments from EPI
From the end of June, customers of some banks in Europe will be able to make cellphone-to-cellphone payments to each other. This is made possible by the Europe-wide payment system “wero” from the banking initiative EPI. In Germany, savings banks, cooperative banks and Deutsche Bank are participating. The first expansion stage is due to start at the end of June. The aim of the initiative is to set up a uniform Europe-wide system for paying by card and smartphone in order to offer customers a competitive offer to powerful US companies such as Paypal.
Charles notes
Travellers to Great Britain could come into contact with new money: From June 5, banknotes bearing the image of King Charles III will come into circulation.
Maximum size for guided tourist groups in Venice
After almost 27 years, the chat service ICQ is coming to an end: the messenger will no longer function from June 26th.
Apple dealer Gravis closes
Gravis, a retailer and service provider specializing in Apple products, is closing its 37 branches and online shop in Germany in June. Sales will largely cease on June 15, with the remaining work to be completed by June 30.
Source: Stern
