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 every month, April 2025 brings several important legal changes affecting people living in Germany. These include the recognition of three new occupational diseases, adjustments to colon cancer screening rules, a lower threshold for parental benefits and new travel regulations for the UK, among others. Here’s a summary of the key changes.
Relaxation of Germany’s Debt Brake
One of the most talked-about legal changes is the partial relaxation of Germany’s constitutional “debt brake.” Both the Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved an amendment allowing the government to incur additional debt for defence, civil protection and intelligence services, beyond the existing limits. This exception also applies to military aid for countries under attack, such as Ukraine.
Under the new rules, the federal government must finance up to 1% of the nominal GDP for these areas through the regular budget. Any expenses exceeding this limit may now be funded through new borrowing. Additionally, lawmakers have approved a €500 billion special investment fund for infrastructure and climate protection projects. The constitutional amendment came into force on 25 March 2025.
Lower Income Threshold for Parental Benefits
Starting 1 April 2025, the income threshold for receiving parental benefits will be reduced. Couples and single parents will only be eligible if their taxable annual income does not exceed €175,000. Previously, the limit was €200,000. For couples (including those co-parenting separately), the combined income is considered, while for single parents, only their individual income counts.
Expanded Access to Colon Cancer Screening
From April 2025, colon cancer screening will be standardized for both men and women, lowering the eligibility age for women from 55 to 50, matching the existing age threshold for men. The new screening options include:
- Colonoscopy: Available twice, ten years apart, from age 50 onward.
- Stool Test: An alternative to colonoscopy, this test can be taken every two years to detect hidden blood in stool samples, a potential indicator of colon cancer.
New Recognized Occupational Diseases
As from 1 April 2025, Germany will officially recognize three new occupational diseases:
- Rotator Cuff Damage: Long-term shoulder damage due to repetitive strain, affecting workers in sectors such as textiles, welding, grinding, construction and slaughterhouses.
- Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis and Emphysema: Caused by prolonged exposure to quartz dust, impacting workers in dental labs, tunneling, metal industries and stone processing.
- Gonarthrosis (Knee Osteoarthritis): Now recognized as an occupational disease for professional footballers.
Workers affected by these conditions can claim medical treatment and financial support from statutory accident insurance.
UK Introduces Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Visitors
From 2 April 2025, travellers to the United Kingdom must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip. The ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple entries. However, if the linked passport expires or is lost, a new ETA will be required.
Applications, available since 5 March 2025, cost about 12 euros (£10) per person and should be submitted at least three days before travel. Notably, passengers transiting through UK airports without leaving the transit area do not need an ETA.
Read more about the new regulation HERE.
New Cookie Consent Regulations for Websites
To reduce the overwhelming number of pop-up cookie consent banners, Germany is introducing a centralised consent management system, effective 1 April 2025. Users will be able to manage their consent settings centrally via their browser or a dedicated account. Companies offering these services must first obtain approval from Germany’s data protection authority.
Femi Awoniyi
