Bundesrat Approves Pharmacy Reform and Aviation Tax Cuts

On June 12, 2026, the Bundesrat (federal council) gave the green light to ten bills passed by the Bundestag. The Bundesrat allowed three key laws from the Bundestag to pass, including the pharmacy reform, the introduction of electronic ankle monitors for protection against domestic violence, and the reduction of aviation tax.

Key Legislation Approved

The pharmacy reform aims to improve the economic environment for owner-operated pharmacies, ensuring the population has comprehensive access nationwide. At the center of debates was the planned health insurance reform, with newly elected ministers from Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate attending their first session.

The aviation tax reduction is expected to lower costs for air travelers, while the electronic ankle monitor provision creates a new tool for protecting victims of domestic violence. The states also approved, on the second attempt, changes to the tax advisory law.

The session marked the first attendance of newly elected Minister Presidents Cem Özdemir (Baden-Württemberg) and Gordon Schnieder (Rhineland-Palatinate), with the Bundesrat electing Manuel Hagel as chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs.

For foreigners in Germany: The pharmacy reform should help maintain local pharmacy access across the country, particularly in rural areas. If you fly frequently in or out of Germany, the aviation tax cuts may result in slightly lower ticket prices in the coming months. The domestic violence protection measures demonstrate Germany's ongoing commitment to safety and victim support.

Sources

• Bundesrat — 1066th session summary
• Mittelrhein-Tageblatt — Bundesrat June 12 session