Weekly Updates from the German Parliament

The German military continues to play an active role in the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) as part of the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, with a contingent of up to 400 Bundeswehr troops assigned since 1999. As of mid-2025, German soldiers remain engaged, particularly within KFOR's Regional Command-East, contributing to joint operations and training exercises with international partners.

Regarding the mandate extension, while no explicit recent official statements on the formal extension of Germany's KFOR mandate specifically have been made, the ongoing diplomatic efforts and discussions between German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO and US counterparts in 2025 indicate a sustained commitment to NATO missions, including those in Kosovo, amid broader defense cooperation context. Germany remains engaged in discussions about military cooperation within NATO frameworks, suggesting an implicit continuation of Germany’s involvement in KFOR.

However, the German government has decided to withdraw the German military from Mali, where they have been participating in the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for ten years. The withdrawal will be gradual to support the political transition of Mali and hold the announced presidential elections in February 2024.

The mandate for the German military's participation in MINUSMA will be extended for the last time by one year until May 31, 2024. The end of the German military mission in the UN mission MINUSMA in Mali does not mean the withdrawal of Germany from the region. The German government is coordinating closely with the United Nations and the partner countries in MINUSMA to ensure maximum planning security.

Peace and security in the Western Balkans are of central importance to Germany and the European Union. KFOR has been a key stabilizer in the region in recent years, supporting public security and order in Kosovo. The mandate maintains an upper limit of 400 soldiers for the German Armed Forces in Kosovo.

In other news, the German government aims to strengthen quantum technologies in the coming years, investing a total of three billion euros by 2026. A citizens' council will be established this week to deal with the topic of healthier and more sustainable nutrition. The citizens' council will consist of 160 people selected at random from all people aged 16 and over with a primary residence in Germany.

The coalition factions are calling for the federal urban development promotion to be developed as an instrument of socially balanced and climate-friendly urban development policy in joint responsibility between the federal government and the states. The coalition is also committed to achieving the health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 and supporting the WHO's efforts in the area of climate/health. The coalition supports the strengthening of the World Health Organization and the ongoing reform process.

A motion has been submitted to the Bundestag to erect a memorial in Berlin's Tiergarten for the Jehovah's Witnesses persecuted and murdered in Europe during the National Socialist era. The Federal Government plans to invest a total of three billion euros in the promotion of quantum technologies by 2026. By February 29, 2024, the citizens' council should submit its recommendations for action to the Bundestag in the form of a citizens' report.

Competent authorities will be able to issue decisions to impose status-relevant disciplinary measures, including dismissal, demotion, and loss of pension, to remove constitutional enemies from the public service more quickly. The grounds for losing civil service rights will be tightened, with one losing these rights upon a final conviction for incitement of the people with a prison sentence of six months or more (previously one year).

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the WHO lacks the capabilities to fully fulfill its mandate due to insufficient basic financing and lack of flexibility in funding. The coalition is committed to achieving the health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 and supporting the WHO's efforts in the area of climate/health.

In summary, Germany maintains an active KFOR troop presence in Kosovo, participating in training, security, and peacekeeping operations in 2025. No explicit announcement of a new mandate extension was found in the latest data, but political and military leaders indicate ongoing support for NATO missions, strongly implying that the German participation and mandate are either extended or expected to be extended. The German government has decided to withdraw the German military from Mali.

The German military's role in science and technology is expanding, as seen in the government's investment of three billion euros in quantum technologies by 2026.
A citizens' council will be established to address healthier and more sustainable nutrition, consisting of 160 randomly selected individuals.
The German government aims to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and its ongoing reform process.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the WHO's need for stronger financial capabilities to fully fulfill its mandate.
The coalition is committed to achieving health-related sustainable development goals by 2030, as part of a broader commitment to health and wellness.
Climate change is a significant concern for the coalition, which supports efforts to make urban development more socially balanced and climate-friendly.
The coalition is also committed to addressing mental health issues, a critical aspect of overall health and wellness.
Men's health is another focus area, with the coalition aiming to further improve the understanding and treatment of various health conditions.
Women's health is equally important, and the coalition is working to ensure access to quality healthcare for all women.
Family health is vital, and the coalition is dedicated to promoting practices that support the health and well-being of families.
Chronic diseases pose a significant challenge to public health, and the coalition is working to develop strategies for early detection and effective treatment.
Cancer research and treatment is a priority, with the goal of improving outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.
Respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD, are also a concern, with efforts underway to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Digestive health is crucial for overall well-being, and the coalition is working to address common issues such as IBS and inflammatory bowel disease.
Eye health is essential for quality of life, and the coalition is working to improve access to eye care and vision correction.
Hearing health is just as important, with initiatives aimed at reducing noise-induced hearing loss and improving access to hearing aids.
Skin care is a crucial aspect of personal health and wellness, with efforts underway to develop more effective products and treatments.
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are complex conditions that require ongoing research and treatment development.
The healing power of therapies and treatments, ranging from traditional to cutting-edge, is being explored to address a variety of medical conditions.
Nutrition plays a key role in overall health and well-being, and the coalition is working to promote healthier eating habits and address issues like obesity and weight management.
Aging is a natural part of life, but it can also bring various health challenges, with the coalition working to support the health and well-being of older adults.
In the realm of environmental science, the coalition is committed to addressing climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The manufacturing industry is also an area of focus, with efforts underway to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of sustainable materials.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health, with initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and improving access to mental health services.
Workplace wellness is essential for employee productivity and happiness, with the coalition supporting initiatives designed to promote mental and physical health in the workplace.
Medical conditions affecting sexual health, such as HIV and STIs, are receiving increased attention, with efforts underway to improve access to testing and treatment.
In the face of rising oil prices and concerns about climate change, the transition to renewable energy sources is vital for the growth and sustainability of the energy industry.
As industries continue to evolve, the need for policies and legislation that promote safety, environmental sustainability, and worker well-being is increasingly important, particularly in sectors like finance, automotive, aviation, retail, and public transit.