Government grants approval for 23 legislations governing pension benefits, transportation passes, and labor practices involving black citizens
In a recent cabinet meeting, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the German federal government made several key decisions aimed at enhancing security, simplifying public contracts, and reforming the pension system.
One of the most significant decisions was the establishment of a National Security Council (NSR) within the Federal Chancellery. This council, chaired by the Chancellor, will include nine key ministers, covering finance, foreign affairs, defense, among others. The NSR will integrate security information across domestic, external, economic, and digital domains and convene regularly to address crises and strategic issues. It is set to be formally established on August 27, 2025.
In terms of economic reforms, the government aims to enable the underground storage of harmful CO2 and expand a transport network for this purpose. However, specific details regarding these plans were not available in the recent search results.
The awarding of public contracts is expected to become easier, faster, and more digital. Value limits for direct awards have been increased, making it simpler for businesses to bid on public contracts over 50,000 euros, excluding defense procurement contracts. Companies must now pay their employees according to tariff conditions for these contracts.
The Bundestag is expected to pass a law by the end of the year to ensure stable pensions and better pensions for millions of mothers. The pension contribution will rise from the current 18.6 percent to 18.8 percent starting in 2027.
Nursing staff will benefit from new competencies in patient care, including treating wounds and diabetes, and will spend less time on forms and bureaucracy, allowing more time for the people in need of care.
The Germany Ticket, a nationwide valid local transport ticket, is threatened with another price increase next year. The federal government's contribution of 1.5 billion euros in 2026 is not sufficient to cover expected additional costs and keep the price stable. Currently, the ticket is used by around 14 million people and enables nationwide travel in regional and local public transport.
The Financial Control Authority will be strengthened in its fight against serious economic crime and organized crime. It will also be able to independently prosecute cases of fraud. Booking records at banks, insurance companies, and securities institutions will be kept for ten years.
The federal government has initiated plans to exempt companies and consumers from the costs of the gas storage surcharge, providing relief of around 3.4 billion euros. A four-person household could save between 30 and 60 euros a year, depending on consumption.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired a cabinet meeting with a mammoth agenda, despite originally planning to be on vacation. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the aforementioned decisions and other strategic initiatives.
References:
[1] Bundesregierung.de. (2025). National Security Council (NSR) to be established on August 27, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/news/nationaler-sicherheitsrat-nsr-wird-am-27-august-2025-eingerichtet-1692664
[3] Bundesregierung.de. (2025). Key decisions made by the German federal government. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/news/schlusssitzung-der-bundesregierung-1692665
Science can be part of the National Security Council's (NSR) integration of information across various domains, as it may provide valuable insights on economic, digital, and potential health-and-wellness threats.
The strengthening of the Financial Control Authority can further secure the finance sector, aiming to combat serious economic crime and organized crime, thereby improving business integrity.
