The energy crisis still has Europe in its grip. From August, the EU countries want to save gas for emergencies. It is still unclear exactly how this will affect consumers. In other areas, however, there will be concrete effects in the coming month - for example in employment contracts and investments. An overview:
BAFÖG reform
For students, trainees and pupils who receive BAFÖG, many simplifications will apply from August 1st. The BAFÖG rates will increase by almost six percent. In addition, there are higher allowances and higher housing allowances for those recipients who do not live with their parents.
employment contracts
From August 1st, more information must be recorded in new employment contracts. This concerns, among other things, details of payment - including overtime - or that employees can freely choose their place of work, provided this has been agreed.
Measles vaccination requirement
Since March 2020, children who are newly admitted to a day care center or school have had to provide proof of measles vaccination protection. Proof of children and employees who were already in the facilities on March 1, 2020 must now also be available by July 31. Non-vaccinated children can be excluded from daycare from August 1st. The health authorities can issue an activity or entry ban against unvaccinated employees.
gas emergency plan
Because of the energy crisis, the EU countries want to use less gas from this month. An emergency plan provides for member states to voluntarily reduce national consumption by 15 percent in the period from August to March 31, 2023. How the goal is to be achieved is left to the states. With the plan, the EU wants to take precautions in the event that Russia cuts off gas supplies completely.
Sustainable investments
From August 2, investment advisors must ask customers about their preferences on the subject of sustainability and then present investors with suitable offers. The background is an EU directive.
beginning and end of the school year
"Back to the classes" will soon be the motto for schoolchildren in Germany. The boys and girls in North Rhine-Westphalia will be the first to return, starting August 10th. In Bavaria, the latest federal state, the holidays don't start until August 1st.
