Weekly happenings in Germany's federal parliament, the Bundestag
In the realm of international affairs, Germany is actively participating in the EU naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea. The German Navy's frigate Hessen has been engaged in naval operations under this mission since at least February 2024, with its first direct engagement involving the interception and downing of two Houthi drones targeting the vessel[1]. This highlights Germany’s operational role in the coalition providing maritime security in the region.
The mission itself has been extended by the EU through February 28, 2026, reflecting ongoing commitments from participating nations, including Germany[2]. The presence of German naval assets like Hessen in the Red Sea as part of Aspides indicates Germany’s continued involvement along with other European navies. The mandate covers an upper limit of 700 German Armed Forces personnel and is valid until February 28, 2025.
On the domestic front, Germany is making strides in several key areas. The Financial Market Digitalization Act is being implemented, making provisions for various regulations and enhancing digital resilience in the financial sector. The goal of the German military deployment in the Red Sea is to protect freedom of navigation and contribute to maritime security in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, and the airspace above.
In the parliamentary procedure, a draft bill has been submitted for modernizing postal legislation to improve working conditions, promote sustainability, and strengthen basic services in the mail industry. The Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG) is being amended to boost fleet renewal and further decarbonize the transport sector by increasing the quota of vehicles to be procured from 2026 to 2030 from 38.5% to 42.5%.
The Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG) is being created to consolidate existing national regulations for the supervision of markets for cryptocurrencies. The European Commission's strategy for a digital financial system aims to enhance the competitiveness and innovation of the EU's financial sector. Existing European rules for combating financial crime, money laundering, and terrorism financing are being expanded to include transfers of cryptocurrencies.
In the realm of education, the report of the Federal Government on the Recognition Act 2023 provides information on the status and further development of the procedures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications within the framework of the Recognition Act. The German Weather Service (DWD) is to operate a natural hazards portal, aiming to improve access to precautionary and warning information in Germany.
Lastly, the Federal Constitutional Court Act is being amended to enable electronic communication with the court, improving the judiciary's access to digitalization opportunities. The law aims to ensure that the universal postal service can be sufficiently and stably financed at six days a week while keeping letter postage affordable.
Germany will contribute to the EU mission and is expected to vote on the federal government's request to participate this week. The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are among the world's busiest shipping routes, with approximately 12% of global cargo traffic passing through.
[1] [source] [2] [source]
Education and self-development: The report of the Federal Government on the Recognition Act 2023 provides information on the status and further development of the procedures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications within the framework of the Recognition Act.
General news: The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are among the world's busiest shipping routes, with approximately 12% of global cargo traffic passing through.
Crime and justice: Existing European rules for combating financial crime, money laundering, and terrorism financing are being expanded to include transfers of cryptocurrencies. The Federal Constitutional Court Act is being amended to enable electronic communication with the court, improving the judiciary's access to digitalization opportunities.
