Legal Update Germany 2026

Germany is entering a new chapter of opportunity. After navigating economic headwinds, 2026 marks a turning point: a (still) new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, substantial fiscal packages driving growth, and massive infrastructure and defense investments totaling hundreds of billions of euros will contribute to transforming Germany's business landscape. At the same time, Germany remains one of Europe's most importanteconomic hubs and a key market for international trade and investment.

For international companies, this creates both opportunities and obligations. New EU directives on pay transparency, sustainability reporting, AI regulation, and supply chain due diligence are reshaping the legal framework. As the legal and regulatory landscape evolves rapidly, staying informed is essential for maintaining your competitive edge – and understanding these changes is essential to capitalize on Germany's renewed momentum.

This is why our Deloitte Germany Country Desk Initiative has decided to organize a webcast in the English language that will provide you with the the information you need on recent legislative changes in Germany and Germany’s economic outlook and that will help you navigating the opportunities and changes ahead.

Join our webcast on March 05, 2026, to gain critical insights from Deloitte Legal's experts and Deloitte Germany’s Chief Economist Dr. Alexander Börsch on selected key developments including:

Equal Pay Transparency – New EU requirements entering force June 2026

Supply Chain Due Diligence – German law changes and EU Directive updates

Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) – Latest developments and implementation timeline 

Digital Regulation – EU AI Act, Data Act, and Product Liability reforms,

Executive Liability in connection with the use of AI

Valuation principles and standards by the Institute of Public Auditors in German – New IDW S 1

Accessibility requirements - German Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG)

Economic Outlook 2026 – Growth forecasts, defense spending impact, and shifting trade patterns

Why this matters now: Germany's economy is expected to return to growth in 2026, with GDP forecasts ranging from 0.8% to 1.8% depending on fiscal implementation. NATO's commitment to 5% GDP defense spending by 2035, combined with Germany's exemption of defense spending above 1% GDP from the debt brake, will inject over €150 billion annually into the economy by 2029. This creates significant opportunities across automotive, machinery, chemicals, energy, and defense sectors.

Register now to secure your spot and position your business for success in Germany's new chapter. And feel free to submit your questions for the Q&A Session already when you register.

Please register by March 04, 2026, to secure your spot.

Your advantage: Our Country Desks – spanning Spanish/LATAM, Czech, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Hungarian, Italian, Scandinavian, French and Polish markets – provide you with seamless cross-border legal a