From August, a whole series of significant changes come into effect in Germany and the European Union, affecting a wide variety of areas — from tax policy and transport to digitalisation and social protection. Large-scale construction work is beginning on motorways, the banking sector is moving to new security technologies, and training allowances for Ausbildung students are increasing in the education system. Energy, media, artificial intelligence — updates are taking place in almost every sphere. We explain what is important to know in August 2025, which changes have already come into force and which are still ahead — and how all of this may affect your life and plans.
Contents
Finance
Tax reliefs for business
A new package of tax reliefs for business comes into effect in August (in fact, the law entered into force back on 18 July).
Main changes:
- Accelerated depreciation: now it is possible to write off up to 75%: the cost of an electric car in the first year alone, and in subsequent years — the 10%, 5%, 3% and 2%.
- Increasing the threshold for benefit-in-kind taxation on company cars: cost of electric vehicles and hybrids for which a preferential income tax rate applies 0.25% or 0.5%, increased by €70,000 to €100,000. This gives businesses the opportunity to choose more expensive and premium models whilst remaining within the scope of tax preferences.
- Depreciation of movable assetsequipment and machinery purchased with 1st July 2025 to 31st December 2027, may be depreciated at an accelerated rate up to 30% per year.
Future reduction of corporation tax (Körperschaftsteuer): from 2028 the rate will begin to gradually decrease — 1% per year, until it reaches by 2032 10% (instead of the current 15%). This is positive news, but the fact that it will not actually come into force for another two years does little to boost business confidence.
Transport
Train traffic between Berlin and Hamburg
From August, train services on the main line between Berlin and Hamburg will be completely suspended for almost nine months. Extensive track modernisation work will be carried out: over 180 kilometres of track and around 200 points will be replaced, 28 stations will be refurbished and new sidings will be installed. Passengers will be redirected to alternative routes and shuttle buses.
Labour market
Pay rise for Azubi
From August, the minimum scholarship amount for those undertaking an Ausbildung will increase, but only for new trainees (those starting their training in August or September). The amount will be €682 gross (€33 more than in 2024) in the first year of training.
The second to fourth years will increase automatically, as they are calculated as a percentage of the first year: +18%, +35% and +40%, amounting to €805, €921 and €955 respectively.
Energy
Payments for solar energy
From 1 August, feed-in tariffs for solar energy will be reduced by 1 %. This is a regular half-yearly reduction, but it does not affect existing installations. The ‘Bestandsschutz’ principle: every installation that has been commissioned retains a fixed tariff for 20 years. The reductions apply only to new installations commissioned after 1 August 2025.
Social sphere
Media Freedom Act
From the 8th of August, the European Media Freedom Act will come into force in the EU to ensure transparency in protecting the independence of journalists and the diversity of opinions, with new rules for online platforms.
Digitisation
Deutsche Bank is stopping the use of SMS codes
In August, Deutsche Bank is discontinuing the use of SMS codes (mobileTAN) to confirm transactions and is switching to the more secure photoTAN method. Bank customers are asked to switch to the new method in advance so that access to online banking and transfers is not blocked.
New rules for AI developers
From August, new rules – the AI Act – will come into force in the EU for developers of large AI systems, such as ChatGPT or Gemini. Companies will be required to disclose how their models were trained and what data was used, as well as to comply with strict transparency and security requirements.
Digital-only passport and ID photographs
From August 1st, passports and ID cards only accept digital photographs transmitted via secure channels.
Closure of Freevee and App Store services
Amazon is changing its strategy from August: Freevee and Appstore services are closing
- Freevee is a free streaming service formerly known as IMDb TV. Its content is moving to Prime Video and will remain free, but with adverts.
- Appstore — the company’s own app store — will be closed on 20 August 2025, along with the Amazon Coins programme.
Events
Cat Day
The Nuremberg Motor Show
8–10 August — DTM at the Nürburgring — a motor racing event featuring high-performance cars.
A spectacular fireworks display along the Rhine
9th August — Rhein in Flammen — a fireworks and illuminated ship display along the Rhine (from Spay to Koblenz). This year it will also be accompanied by a drone show featuring over 400 glowing drones.
Catamaran racing
16–17 August — SailGP in Sassnitz, off Rügen Island. Racing catamarans featuring the German national team.
Gamescom in Cologne
From 20 to 24 August: the Gamescom exhibition (Cologne) — the world's largest gaming industry event. Major manufacturers are taking part: Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and others.
Start of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 in Kiel
From 6 to 10 August 2025, the Ocean Race Europe regatta will start in Kiel. Visitors can look forward to a four-day programme featuring cultural, sports and conservation events that they can take part in – free of charge and in the open air.
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Minimum pension in Germany: why there is none and what is paid instead
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Direktversicherung in Germany: What Is Deducted from the Payout
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Orphan's Pension in Germany 2026 - Waisenrente Rules
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Occupational pensions for employers: what a company in Germany must do
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Betriebsrente: the employer pension in Germany
