News in June 2025: Important laws for maternity protection and accessibility!

News in June 2025: Important laws for maternity protection and accessibility!

On June 1, 2025, significant changes will come into force in Germany that will affect various areas of life. These innovations aim to improve the quality of life and safety of the population as well as address current social needs.

A central issue is the Maternity Protection Act, which now also applies to women who have a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy. Maternity leave is staggered: two weeks in the event of a miscarriage from the 13th week, six weeks from the 17th week and up to eight weeks in the event of a miscarriage from the 20th week. Employers are not allowed to employ affected women during these periods unless they consent. This reform closes an important protection gap and demonstrates legal progress in protecting women and families in such difficult times. Ruhr24 reports on this comprehensively.

Important dates and legal changes

An important day is already approaching on June 15th: the first national Veterans Day, which is intended to honor active and former soldiers of the Bundeswehr. The aim of this day of remembrance and honor is to make the soldiers' achievements visible and to strengthen ties with society. This represents a further step in the appreciation of military services. In connection with this day, D-Day on June 6th should also be mentioned, which commemorates the Allied landings in World War II.

• Wichtige Termine im Juni 2025:
• 1. Juni – Internationaler Kindertag
• 6. Juni – D-Day
• 15. Juni – Nationaler Veteranentag
• 19. Juni – Fronleichnam (gesetzlicher Feiertag in mehreren Bundesländern)

Technological and safety-related changes

In the digital world, the EU label for smartphones and tablets will be expanded from June 20, 2025. This new energy label will contain information on the energy efficiency and repairability of the devices, including a scale from A to G as well as information on dismantling and availability of spare parts. A similar improvement also applies to switching electricity providers: from June 6th, the switch can be made within 24 hours, which represents a significant relief for consumers. The notice periods for existing contracts remain, and the installation of an intelligent measuring system is a prerequisite.

Another safety-relevant point concerns gas testing for mobile homes and caravans. From June 19th, regular inspection of liquid gas systems will be legally mandatory. Such checks must be carried out every two years after the first test to ensure safety when cooking and heating. The cost of this check ranges between 40 and 80 euros and usually takes 20 to 45 minutes.

Accessibility in society

An important law that will also come into force in June is the Accessibility Strengthening Act, which starts on June 28, 2025. This law aims to increase accessibility in various areas, including ATMs, websites and apps. The requirements are aimed at service providers and companies and are intended to ensure that all people, including people with disabilities, have access to essential services. However, exceptions apply to micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees.

The innovations and changes to the law in June 2025 show that Germany is actively working to take the needs of its citizens into account and promote an inclusive and safe society. These changes are not only legally but also socially important for the future.