February Brings New Rules for Travelers, Households and Solar Investors Across Europe

Overview

• Bulgaria completed its currency switch on February 1, making the euro the sole legal tender at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.
• Germany’s feed‑in tariffs for newly commissioned photovoltaic systems fell starting February 1 by roughly 1% depending on size, leaving existing contracts unchanged and setting the next cut for August 1, 2026.
• From February 25, UK carriers will refuse boarding to passengers without a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation, which travelers are advised to obtain at least 72 hours before departure and which remains valid for two years.
• Household rules take effect as payments land and thresholds shift, including child benefit at €259 per month and for the 1960 birth cohort a retirement age of 66 years and four months, a taxable pension share of 86%, and a new option to earn up to €2,000 monthly tax‑free through insured work after retirement.
• Time‑sensitive dates include the expected start of Ramadan around February 18 for about 5.5 million Muslims in Germany and a February 28 deadline for major hedge or tree cuts before the March 1 protection period.