The skilled trades sector welcomes the federal government's measures, but would have preferred significantly more relief for craft businesses. (Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com)
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July 2026
The German government has launched further measures to reduce bureaucracy. The second relief package includes projects with a total savings volume of approximately 600 million euros.
The German government wants to further reduce bureaucracy and has therefore put together a second relief package. It contains various measures designed to save businesses and citizens around 600 million euros annually.
This includes changes in the healthcare system. Digitizing processes such as electronic referrals alone is expected to save approximately €445 million annually. Initial assessments, referrals, and appointment scheduling will all be accessible via a single app. In addition, a standardized, digital medication plan will be introduced and continuously updated. Medical letters will then only be transmitted digitally.
The law and regulation aimed at reducing bureaucracy in the transport sector are intended to simplify administrative procedures and also allow them to be carried out digitally. The truck driving ban on public holidays that vary across Germany will be abolished. Electric vehicles will no longer need a green sticker to enter an environmental zone; the "E" license plate will serve as proof of eligibility.
The German government is strengthening continuing education for career advancement. It aims to increase the attractiveness of career advancement opportunities and reduce potential barriers to entry. To this end, a package of measures will lower the costs of subsidized continuing education programs for participants. For example, if a master craftsman's examination is completed and supported by the employer, it will no longer be counted towards the Federal Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegs-BAföG).
Craft policy
Craft policy
Craft policy
The law on the modernization and digitalization of employment promotion aims to make unemployment insurance and employment promotion more citizen-friendly, efficient, and less bureaucratic. Those applying for benefits or reporting changes should be able to do so more easily and digitally.
The skilled trades sector welcomes the federal government's measures but would have preferred significantly more relief for craft businesses. "Despite some positive approaches and noticeable progress, such as in accelerating administrative procedures, the overall result for craft businesses remains sobering and falls far short of their own stated goals," explains Holger Schwannecke.
The Secretary General of the Central Association of German Crafts demands that the "easily implementable" measures, such as the abolition of the receipt obligation, the lifting of the Sunday baking ban, or the raising of legal thresholds for the obligation to appoint company representatives or for sales tax or income tax, finally be realized.
Currently, there is a lack of measures to provide tangible relief for craft businesses in their daily operations. "The fact is that more is needed and significantly more can be achieved in reducing bureaucracy. Much more speed and courage are required. The skilled trades sector remains ready to partner with us, offering its expertise, numerous practical suggestions for reducing bureaucracy, and a strong hands-on mentality, as a committed partner in the effort to reduce red tape."
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