That is changing for employees and consumers
June 2023 has some changes in store for workers and consumers. New laws and rules come into force. Among other things, the culture pass for 18-year-olds is launched. In addition, a new subsidy program replaces the Baukindergeld. Meanwhile, an EU law will make reimbursements for train delays more complicated from June.
From June 2023: These laws and changes come into force
Like almost every month, June 2023 brings some important changes for workers and consumers. In addition, new laws come into force.
For example, a new EU regulation makes refunds in the event of delays by Deutsche Bahn more complicated. In addition, numerous branches of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof are closing. A new subsidy program is meanwhile replacing the Baukindergeld.
1. New EU law from June 2023: Refunds for train delays will become more complicated
On June 7th, a new law will come into effect EU passenger rights regulation in force. Consumer advocates criticize the fact that rail passengers who are affected by delays are finding it more difficult to get a refund.
To date, passengers have been entitled to a 25 percent refund for delays of 60 minutes or more and 50 percent for delays of 120 minutes or more. According to the new regulation, however, these regulations will be void in the future under certain circumstances.
These include: extreme weather conditions, natural disasters or public health crises. Also: fault on the part of the passenger, behavior of a third party such as stepping onto the tracks, cable theft, emergencies on the train, police operations, sabotage or terrorism.
2. The culture pass for 18-year-olds
From mid-June 2023, the federal government will introduce a culture pass for young people who turn 18 years old. This should give young adults the opportunity to take part in registered cultural events.
A budget of 200 euros is available for a period of two years. The aim is to support local events such as concerts, theater performances and cinema screenings. Providers who want to make their events available via the program must register with an Elster certificate.
3. New subsidy program replaces Baukindergeld
The state supported families who want to build or buy their own home with a subsidy until the end of 2022 through the so-called Baukindergeld. From June 2023, a new funding program will replace this financial support: “Home ownership for families” (WEF).
As of this year, however, families with a low or middle income will no longer receive a subsidy. Because the WEF is a KfW subsidy that is based on annual income. In order to receive the new building subsidy, a family must live in the corresponding property itself, which must be a new building or a first-time purchase. The maximum loan amount is 240,000 euros.
4. Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof branches are closing
In June 2023 numerous Karstadt Kaufhof branches will close. The background is a restructuring in the ongoing insolvency proceedings, which forces companies to close endangered locations. Loud Handelsblatt initially there are 19 branches that will close on June 30, 2023.
The affected locations are: Celle, Coburg, Cottbus, Duisburg-Düsseldorfer Strasse, Gelsenkirchen, Hagen, Hamburg-Harburg, Hamburg-Wandsbek, Leverkusen, Munich train station, Neuss, Nuremberg-Königstrasse, Nuremberg-Langwasser, Offenbach, Paderborn, Regensburg- Neupfarrplatz, Saarbrücken, Siegen, Wiesbaden-Kirchgasse.
5. No more updates for Windows 10
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 21H1 version for private users on June 13, 2023. This automatically makes numerous end devices more susceptible to errors. They also represent a possible target for cybercriminals. Windows users should therefore switch to a newer Windows 10 version.
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