As summer draws to a close, September 2025 is bringing with it a packed calendar of political, social, and cultural events across Germany. From major parliamentary votes to the launch of new EU rules, elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the return of the world’s largest folk festival, here’s a comprehensive look at what’s ahead this month.
On September 11, Germany will conduct its nationwide warning day at 11:00 a.m. A test alarm will sound across all available channels, including cell phones, radio, TV. Warning devices such as sirens and loudspeaker vans are triggered simultaneously in all 16 federal states, districts and municipalities with a test alarm. The all-clear signal will follow around 11:45 a.m.
This annual exercise is intended to ensure that the country’s population is prepared in the event of emergencies such as floods, extreme weather, or other disasters.
The world’s most famous folk festival, Oktoberfest, begins in Munich on September 20 and will run for 16 days. The 190th edition of the festival opens, as tradition dictates, with the tapping of the first keg by Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter at 12:00 noon in the Festhalle Schottenhamel.
A growing trend at Oktoberfest is the move toward cashless payments. This year, more than half of stands and attractions will offer card payment options. The crossbow shooting tent joins the cashless wave, and for the first time, the Münchner Stubn tent will operate as an entirely cashless venue, accepting Girocard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
In the second week of September, the German Bundestag reconvenes after its summer recess. On September 11, lawmakers will vote on the new battery/waste regulation, which standardises battery disposal rules nationwide.
The law aims to expand collection systems, allow e-bike batteries to be returned to municipal collection points, and raise collection rates in line with EU requirements. It was originally slated for August but delayed to September 11 for the vote. Until it takes effect, the current 50% collection rate remains in force.
On September 12, the long-anticipated EU Data Act comes into force in Germany. This groundbreaking legislation will transform how data from connected devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, robot vacuums, e-bikes, and even cars, is handled.
For the first time, you’ll have full control over your personal data generated via use of connected devices. Companies must clearly tell you what data they collect and give you access to it as well. You can decide how your information is used, and switching cloud providers will be easier than ever. This law puts you in charge of your digital life.
On September 14, residents of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) will head to the polls for local elections. Voters will elect city and municipal councils, district councils, mayors, and district administrators.
Runoff elections for mayoral and district positions are possible on September 28 if no candidate secures an absolute majority. The elections are open to German and EU citizens aged 16 and above who have lived in North Rhine-Westphalia for at least 16 days before the vote.
Starting in September, a new federal committee on social welfare reform will begin its work under Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), bringing together representatives from federal, state, and local governments. Its goal: to make welfare administration more efficient and citizen-friendly, with a focus on tax-funded benefits such as the citizen’s benefit, housing benefit, and child allowance.
The commission’s work also enters a heated debate, how to balance fair support with motivating more people to work. With 5.6 million currently receiving citizen’s benefit, critics call for stricter rules, while others emphasize stronger safety nets. By the end of 2025, the committee’s proposals could reshape how millions of people experience welfare in their daily lives
While not yet in force in September, it’s worth noting that from October 1, 2025, the use of the electronic health record (ePA) will become mandatory for physicians and healthcare providers. For patients, the system will remain voluntary, but September will serve as the final month for doctors and service providers to prepare before the law takes effect.
As Germany enters September 2025, citizens can expect a dynamic mix of legislative updates, local elections, safety exercises, and cultural festivities, all set to impact daily life and digital, social, and civic engagement across the country.
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