BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The hurdles to German citizenship are being lowered and elections are being held in Europe. What else is changing in June - an overview.

European elections

For the first time in Germany, young people aged 16 and over will be able to vote in the European elections on June 9. This means that the number of people entitled to vote has increased from around 61.5 million at the last election in 2019 to around 65 million at this election.

Faster path to citizenship

Immigrants will be able to obtain German citizenship more quickly in future. The reform of citizenship law comes into force on June 27. Naturalization will now be possible after five years instead of the previous eight, and even after three years in the case of "special integration achievements". Multiple citizenship is also permitted. Former guest workers or contract workers in the GDR only have to prove their oral knowledge of German and no longer have to take a naturalization test.

Changeover for cable television

By June 30 at the latest, millions of tenants must have clarified how they will continue to watch television in their apartment. From July, landlords will no longer be allowed to pass on TV fees as service charges. For years, this practice affected around twelve million tenants.

No more plastic cards for Bahncard 25 and 50

From June 9, the Bahncard 25 and 50 will only be available in digital form. Customers will need a profile in the Bahn app or on the bahn.de platform to use the subscription digitally. If you don't have a smartphone, you can print out a replacement document. Existing plastic cards can be used until the printed expiry date.

Opportunity card

From June, people from non-EU countries who want to work can come to Germany for a year to look for a job with the so-called "Chancenkarte". The basic requirement is at least two years of vocational training or a university degree in the country of origin as well as language skills in German or English. Depending on their language skills, professional experience, age and connection to Germany, interested parties receive points that entitle them to receive the Chancenkarte.

Cell phone to cell phone payments from EPI

From the end of June, customers of some banks in Europe will be able to make mobile phone-to-mobile phone payments with each other. This is made possible by the Europe-wide payment system "wero" from the EPI banking initiative. In Germany, savings banks, cooperative banks and Deutsche Bank are participating. The first expansion stage is due to start at the end of June. The aim of the initiative is to establish a standardized Europe-wide system for payment by card and smartphone in order to offer customers a competitive service to powerful US companies such as PayPal.

Charles bills

British travelers could come into contact with new money: From June 5, bills bearing the image of King Charles III will come into circulation.

Highest size for guided tourist groups in Venice

Another change for tourists to Venice: from June 1, the lagoon city will ban tourist groups of more than 25 people accompanied by tour guides. Loudspeakers are now also prohibited on such tours. The measures are intended to help limit mass tourism and its negative effects, as was the recent introduction of day tickets./vrb/DP/zb