Bundestag resolutions Higher tobacco tax and more protection for “coffee trips”

Status: 11.06.2021 8:26 a.m.

The Bundestag passed numerous laws into the night. Among other things, the redistribution of EU agricultural subsidies was decided and the rules for so-called coffee trips tightened. Smoking will become more expensive in the future. An overview. The plenary session began on Thursday morning – it was only ended on Friday morning at 0.59 a.m. by Parliament’s Vice-President Wolfgang Kubicki. The agenda in the Bundestag was tough. In the last few weeks before the summer break, the grand coalition is trying to get as many projects as possible through parliament. An overview of the most important resolutions of the night session.

Tobacco tax is rising – and also applies to liquids

Germany’s smokers are asked to pay more. The Bundestag decided that the tobacco tax for a pack of 20 cigarettes will rise by an average of ten cents in the coming year. A year later, a further ten cents will be added, in 2025 and 2026 another 15 cents per pack will be added. Vaping e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters is also taxed higher. So-called liquids for use in e-cigarettes are to be subject to tobacco tax in the future; up to now they have been subject to sales tax. An additional tax is to be introduced for heated tobacco, so that in future there will be a taxation similar to that of cigarettes.

More consumer protection with “coffee trips” and online marketplaces

The sale of insurance, home loan and savings contracts, medical products and dietary supplements on so-called coffee trips will be prohibited in the future. In addition, the participants of such trips must be better informed about their rights by the organizer. The fine for violations will be increased from 1,000 euros to 10,000 euros. The new law also provides for a regulation according to which consumers may not be asked to pay before the end of the day on which the contract is signed for contracts that have come about as part of an unsolicited visit to the home. In the future, online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay will have to disclose the essential criteria for their rankings of search results. They must also inform consumers whether the potential contracting parties are entrepreneurs or private individuals. Rankings in search results must not be influenced by hidden advertising or hidden payments. The platforms must also explain how they ensure the authenticity of user reviews. Fake reviews are expressly prohibited in the future. Advertising in online networks should be more recognizable in the future – this applies to influencers, for example. Labeling is not necessary if the advertiser has not received any money or similar consideration from a company.

Protection of package tours

Consumer protection is also being strengthened for package tours: a multi-million dollar fund will in future protect package travelers from possible damage in the event of bankruptcies. Tour operators are to pay 750 million euros into the fund. The fund is also intended to prevent the state from having to step in when tour operators go bankrupt. The new fund is to guarantee prepayments by customers, the repatriation of stranded holidaymakers and their accommodation until they are returned. It basically replaces the previous protection through insurance or bank guarantees. The background to this is the bankruptcy of the travel company Thomas Cook in September 2019.

Fight against tax havens and money laundering

Capital flight to so-called tax havens is expected to become less attractive in the future. If the Federal Council also approves the new regulation, operating and advertising costs for cross-border transactions can only be claimed for tax purposes if the respective states adhere to international tax standards. In addition, regulations on withholding tax, which are incurred on investment income abroad, are being tightened. The basis is a “black list” of the EU, in which “non-cooperative countries and areas” are listed, which from Brussels’ point of view facilitate tax evasion or unfair tax competition. There are twelve countries such as Panama, Fiji and the Seychelles. However, this list is controversial – mainly because it does not contain any tax havens within the EU. In order to combat money laundering and terrorist financing more effectively, the German transparency register will also be expanded and better linked internationally. Additional reporting obligations for the economy should make it easier to track down letterbox companies and to identify the people behind nested company structures. At the same time, this is intended to protect reputable companies from coming into contact with questionable business partners and criminal machinations. In addition, the investigators in Germany should work more closely with the authorities in other EU countries.

Compensation for phasing out nuclear power

The Bundestag also gave the green light for the compensation of energy companies for the accelerated nuclear phase-out. The adopted amendment to the Atomic Energy Act empowers the responsible federal ministries to conclude a public law contract “on the payment of financial compensation” which ends “all national and international legal disputes”. In March, after years of dispute with the energy companies RWE, Vattenfall, EnBW and E.on, the federal government reached an agreement on compensation: Germany pays the companies compensation totaling a good 2.4 billion euros. This compensates for residual amounts of electricity that the companies can no longer generate in their own plants, as well as investments that the companies made in reliance on the nuclear power plant life extension that came into force in 2010.

Distribution of EU agricultural subsidies approved

The Bundestag also approved the federal government’s legislative package for the distribution of EU grants for German farmers. In the coming years, this will increasingly be based on criteria such as environmental protection and animal welfare. From 2023, a quarter of Brussels direct payments will be linked to certain ecological requirements. For example, there is additional money for not using pesticides or for more nature conservation in meadows and pastures. In total, it is about six billion euros that Germany’s farmers will receive annually from the EU until 2027. So far, the distribution of such funds has largely been based on the area of ​​the farms – regardless of the impact on the environment and landscape. With the reform, small and medium-sized businesses are to receive significantly more support. Young farmers up to the age of 40 also receive more money. In addition, there will in future be a premium for grazing animal owners who have so far benefited little from the area premium. The Federal Cabinet had already adopted the new requirements for the national structure of the Common European Agricultural Policy (GAP) in April. At EU level, however, there is still a struggle about how the reform of the EU agricultural policy should be designed. The aim is to reach an agreement by the end of June. The legislative package that has now been passed, which is aimed at a Agricultural Ministers’ Conference Compromise goes back, then changed again. Previously, the Bundestag had, among other things the powers of the protection of the constitution expanded . In the course of the day, the parliament wants to pass a number of other laws of the grand coalition – for example on care reform and on Compliance with human rights in global supply chains .

The tribes in Kenya still keep their traditions. The “Soul” of Africa When people think of Africa, people often think of Kenya with iconic images. It is the lone acacia tree silhouetted against the characteristic grasslands (savannas) with an endless horizon. It is the snow-capped mountain that can be seen from the harsh deserts. It’s the palm-fringed, green coastline of the Indian Ocean, the Great Rift valley – traces of an earthquake that tore through the continent tens of millions of years ago, and dense forests reminiscent of the heart. of the continent. Therefore, Kenya is also known as “the country of epic terrains”, it stirs up in our hearts the desire to explore. Kenya is very famous for its movies about the wild world. This is the land of herds of wildebeest and zebras numbering in the millions and the “great predators of Africa” ​​such as lions, hyenas… Kenya is also home to the Tsavo red elephants, Amboseli elephant families in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and millions of giant flamingos striding across shallow lakes. Africa is the last great wilderness where these creatures exist, and Kenya is the perfect place to respond to Africa’s wild call. Along with that are endangered species like the black rhino being hunted by poachers. Along with its awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife, Kenya’s long history is particularly fascinating as it is home to some of Africa’s most famous peoples such as the Maasai, the Samburu, Turkana, Swahili, Kikuyu. Their long and lively history, coupled with their unique culture, will give you an unprecedented experience of the struggle to maintain tradition in an increasingly modern and crowded world, the war to survive in some of the harshest environments on earth, an ancient tension between settled farming and migratory tribes. Wildlife in Kenya especially attracts tourists. Tourism and conservation Coming to Kenya, visitors expect to see ancient and wild beauty. Kenya also identifies nature conservation as a national mission. The abundance of wildlife in Kenya is due to the collective efforts of the community. Kenya pioneered the use of armed rangers to protect rhinos and elephants. Kenya brought wildlife back after poaching in the 1970s and 1980s. What’s more, in places like Laikipia and Masai Mara, private and community sanctuaries combine tourism with Community development and wildlife conservation have achieved impressive results. For inspirational travel, few countries can match Kenya. The sanctuaries provide well-protected refuges for some of the most endangered wildlife on the planet, from lions and cheetahs in the southern Masai Mara to elephants and black rhinos in Samburu in the north. . Every year, between June and December, one of the world’s largest and longest animal migrations takes place in East Africa. More than two million wildebeest, zebras and other animals migrate across the Serengeti River to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. The majority of Kenya’s tourists come between June and October to witness this “great migration”. The migration lasted from 800km to 1,600km. According to Kenya’s Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala, August is one of the busiest months for the tourism industry, with arrivals during this period accounting for 10% of the country’s total annual visitors. Kenya, with about 250,000 visitors. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, tourism in Kenya has been severely affected, and hunting tour companies in Kenya are facing unprecedented losses. However, this is an opportunity for nature to recover. Many types of animals have strong growth. For example, during the time of the pandemic, Kenya saw the arrival of more than 200 baby elephants, a miracle never before, they were called “Covid Gifts”. This Covid-19 “silent” also offers Kenya the opportunity to refine measures to help economic development go hand in hand with conservation more effectively when tourism reopens.

Tourists camp by Dong Do lake, Soc Son (Hanoi). Photo: THU HUONG Not looking to crowded tourist spots, but looking to empty camping places to be immersed in nature, feel a peaceful life, is a travel trend chosen by many young people, especially in the context of Tourism has not been able to resume normal operations due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Covid-19 epidemic has significantly changed the needs and tastes of tourists. Accordingly, self-sufficient travel, traveling in small groups and short days to ensure safety against the epidemic is a popular trend in the current situation. Meeting these requirements, camping tourism with its own strengths is being chosen by many young people, especially young families, to satisfy their passion for travel. Camping tourism can be roughly understood as a form of outdoor camping or camping. Associated with this form of tourism are often activities such as setting up camp, setting up campfire, walking, climbing, swimming, fishing, cooking, making barbecue with prepared and pre-prepared foods. … Different from the feeling of staying at luxurious and comfortable resorts, camping tourism gives visitors new and unique experiences when they are free to mingle and feel nature in a large space. grow up, listen to the breath of trees and rivers, leave behind the hustle, bustle and bustle to recharge the body with the fresh and fresh energy of nature. Besides, setting up tents, camping, barbecues, campfires… also help increase opportunities for communication, understanding and bonding between groups of friends or family members. Another plus point is that the cost of each camping trip is often “softer” than other forms of tourism, making this type of tourism increasingly popular, especially for the general group of tourists who do not have a long-term travel conditions, and do not spend a large amount on each trip. Mr. Hoang Phuong from Yen Phu ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi said that when there was no epidemic, every year, he and his wife tried to take their children to travel in the country or abroad at least twice a year. During the summer vacation or Tet holiday, each trip lasts about four or five days so that the children have enough time to learn about the culture of each land. However, when the epidemic appeared, in order to both ensure safety and meet the needs of his children’s discovery and experience, he often took advantage of taking his wife and children to have a picnic by personal car on days relax for week. The destination in Hanoi chosen by his family is easy to move, owns beautiful nature and has many experience activities such as: Ban Rom Eco-tourism Area, Dong Mo Camping Sport, Yen So Park , Ham Lon mountain, Ba Vi National Park… It can be seen that, with rich natural resources, in all three regions of our country, there are destinations known as “camping paradise”, from the valleys, hills, and green lakes in the area. mountains in the north to beaches, clear plateaus in the central and southern regions. To meet the needs of tourists, many travel agencies have put camping tourism in their category of activities with the desire to diversify products and direct visitors to participate more in ecotourism, tourism. responsible for nature and the environment. Many camping resorts with favorable geographical locations have also been formed and put into operation, providing many services available with colorful tents, essential utensils, grills… In order to improve With the awareness of environmental protection and increasing local cultural experience, many resorts also organize camping activities for visitors such as visiting craft villages, organizing outdoor parties, fishing, etc. pulling nets… Recently, there are quite a few camping resorts that have received high appreciation from tourists such as: Son Tinh Camp (Hanoi), Canh Duong Beach Camp (Hue), Trung Luong picnic area (Binh Dinh), Tanyoli tourist area (Ninh Thuan), Coco Beach Camp (Binh Thuan)… In order to have a camping trip that is both attractive and safe, visitors need to carefully research the terrain and weather to have a thorough preparation of costumes, food, and carry-on items such as camping tents. , sleeping bags, first aid bags, blankets, stoves, power banks, especially garbage bags so as not to litter the environment… According to travel experts, tourists, especially families with young children, should plug them in. Camping at tourist camping sites, that is, the area has been planned to fully ensure the elements of the natural landscape, infrastructure, facilities and services necessary to serve the needs of tourists. camping guest service. To ensure safety against the epidemic, visitors should camp in places where there are not too many people, and strictly adhere to epidemic prevention measures.