THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Like almost every month, September 2024 brings important changes, including new laws, that affect residents of Germany. For instance, building owners using gas heating must now have their systems inspected and stricter hand luggage rules for air travellers apply. Among others, a new feature will be introduced in health insurance apps and stricter emission standards for new vehicle registrations will come into effect.
Here’s an overview of all the key changes in September 2024.
Deadline for tax returns ends in September
Anyone who is obliged to submit their tax return and has not yet done so is now too late: the deadline for submitting the tax return for 2023 ended on 2 September 2024 – at least for taxpayers who do not have their tax return prepared by a tax advisor or income tax assistance association. However, an extension may be granted by the tax office.
Organ donation made easy
From the end of September 2024, it will be easier to make an organ donation declaration. Insured persons will be able to make their decision via health insurance apps. This innovation complements the option of entering declarations in the central register via the online function of the ID card.
Heating check for gas central heating systems
Owners of private residential buildings with gas central heating systems are required to have their systems inspected by a qualified expert and, if necessary, optimized. The deadline for completing the heating check is 15 September 2024. Since further measures may be needed after the inspection, potentially requiring a second appointment, it’s advisable not to wait until the last minute. Early optimization can also lead to cost savings.
Warning day on 12 September 2024
The nationwide warning day will take place on 12 September 2024 to test warning systems. At around 11 am, a test alert will be sent to all warning multipliers connected to the federal modular warning system. These multipliers will relay the alert to devices like televisions, radios and smartphones with a slight delay. The test warning will be signalled through smartphone alerts, sirens and other warning systems.
Stricter liquid rules for air travel
Stricter liquid rules for hand luggage have been reinstated since 1 September 2024. Passengers are once again only allowed to carry liquids in containers of up to 100 millilitres, which must be placed in a resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
These rules, originally introduced in 2006, had been relaxed at some airports where CT scanners were used to inspect luggage. However, due to EU concerns about the scanners’ reliability, the 100-millilitre limit is now back in effect.
Seat reservations no longer compulsory for trains travelling abroad
During the summer months, seat reservations were mandatory for almost all trains traveling abroad. However, since 1 September, this requirement has been lifted—except for the Munich-Zurich route, where it remains in effect until 5 October. The reservation rule was introduced partly due to the European Football Championships. Deutsche Bahn expects that with the end of the summer holidays and major sporting events, passenger demand will decrease.
New emissions standard in road traffic
The first stage of the new ‘Euro 6e’ emissions standard came into force on 1 September 2024. Vehicles that do not meet this standard may only be registered until 31 August 2024. The aim of this change is to ensure that cars emit fewer pollutants in real driving conditions – and not just under laboratory conditions.
The Euro 6e emissions standard will apply to all new passenger car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations from September. By 2030, the EU aims to reduce CO2 emissions for passenger cars by 55 per cent and for light commercial vehicles by 51 per cent compared to 2021.
M+S winter tyres only permitted in September
The transitional period for winter tyres with ‘M+S’ markings expires on 30 September. The abbreviation ‘M+S’ stands for ‘mud and snow’. Tyres with this combination of letters have not been allowed to be produced since 2018. From October 2024, however, they may no longer be used. Anyone caught using these tyres in wintry weather risks a fine.
The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations then stipulate that winter and all-weather tyres must have the ‘Alpine’ label, a symbol with a mountain and snowflake.
New regulation for cannabis consumption in road traffic
Since 22 August, a legal limit of 3.5 nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per millilitre in blood serum has been in force in road traffic. For novice drivers and young drivers under the age of 21, there is an absolute ban on cannabis at the wheel.
Mixed consumption of alcohol and cannabis is particularly dangerous, which is why cannabis users are absolutely prohibited from driving under the influence of alcohol.
State elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg
New state parliaments were elected in Saxony and Thuringia on 1 September. In both states, the AfD won more than 30 per cent of the vote, while in Thuringia the party even became the strongest force. The parties in the traffic light coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP) suffered significant losses in both federal states.
A new state parliament will be elected also in Brandenburg on 22 September. According to the latest polls, the AfD could also win the most votes in the state.
Femi Awoniyi
