Many measures come into force from January 1, 2025. Low-emission zones, RSA, unemployment, restaurant vouchers and even the pricing of Ile-de-France transport… CNEWS takes stock for you.
The year 2025 is fast approaching with its share of changes. The government has announced several, which will affect the daily lives of the French. An update on what will change for the new year.
tightening of RSA rules
From January, the rules concerning RSA (active solidarity income) are tightening. The first new feature concerns the fact that RSA beneficiaries will be automatically registered with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi).
For people who are already RSA beneficiaries, no action will be necessary regarding registration with France Travail. On the other hand, if you become a beneficiary of the RSA in 2025, you will have to complete an online questionnaire directly on the France Travail website, allowing the person to be directed to the referent organization likely to support them. Subsequently, the applicant for benefits must carry out a personalized assessment of their situation and sign an employment contract with their referring organization. These new rules are supposed to allow reinforced monitoring.
That's not all, the move to 2025 will result in other obligations for beneficiaries. In particular, they will have to devote fifteen hours a week to integration activities to find a job. Failure to comply with these new rules may result in sanctions.
new unemployment compensation rules
From January 1, 2025, there will be changes for job seekers with the introduction of new compensation rules. The new text plans to raise the age limits by two years from which unemployed seniors benefit from a longer period of compensation.
The level giving entitlement to 22.5 months of maximum compensation will increase from 53 to 55 years. The level allowing 27 months of compensation is raised from 55 to 57 years. At the same time, cross-border workers (in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium or Luxembourg) paying their contributions in a neighboring country will see their compensation recalculated on a more restrictive basis.
There will also be relaxation for seasonal workers who will have to work less time than before to qualify for unemployment. In fact, only five months worked out of the last twenty-four will be necessary to receive unemployment compared to six months until then.
restriction on the use of meal vouchers
From January 1, 2025, you will no longer be able to purchase products that are not directly consumable in supermarkets with your restaurant vouchers. Only sandwiches, tomatoes and ready meals will remain eligible.
The usable daily amount will return to 19 euros compared to the 25 euros authorized since 2022. A return to the old use of meal vouchers which may not last in 2025 since the adoption of an extension of the current use of meal vouchers restaurant could be voted on soon.
the modified health record
From January 1, 2025, a new health record will be implemented with the aim of combating children's screen time. To do this, “dedicated pages” on screen time will be added. They will contain advice as well as follow-up measures.
increase in the price of medical consultations
In the health department, other changes are expected, including an increase in the prices of medical consultations. In fact, from this Sunday, December 22, the price of your consultations with your general practitioner will increase from 30 euros compared to 26.50 euros until then. An increase which follows negotiations between doctors and Health Insurance in June 2024.
administrative formalities of companies
For businesses, many things will also change. As of January 1, 2025, the one-stop shop for formalities will be the only entry point for businesses to complete their formalities. The option for companies with fewer than 11 employees wishing to pay their contributions quarterly in 2025 must be made before December 31.
new courts for businesses in difficulty
That's not all. From January 1, 2025, the economic activity courts will replace the commercial courts. They will now deal with all company difficulties, whether amicable procedures, conciliation or judicial liquidation.
new mobility payment rates
As of January 1, 2025, the scope and rate of the mobility payment will change. This contribution due by employers who hire more than 10 employees and to finance public transport, changes, as it does every six months. You can find all the changes here.
end of exemption for hybrid vehicles
As of January 1, 2025, hybrid vehicles will no longer be exempt from the annual tax on CO₂ emissions.
A change which will also be accompanied by an increase in the annual tax on CO₂ emissions for company vehicles registered for the first time in France from March 2020. The scale for the year 2025 can be found here. An increase which aims to promote clean vehicles.
LOW EMISSION ZONES (ZFE)
Traffic restrictions in Low Emission Zones (ZFE) will be significantly tightened on January 1, 2025. Indeed, after the ban on Crit'Air 4 and 5 vehicles, it is the turn of new models of vehicle from being excluded since the ZFEs of Paris, Lyon, Montpellier and Grenoble will ban Crit'Air 3 cars.
A decision which should exclude more than a million vehicles since the system concerns motorists with diesel cars registered before 2011 and gasoline cars before 2006.
strengthening of technical inspection of vehicles
Technical control is evolving to respond to environmental and technical challenges. The new procedures will include more efficient devices to detect fraud, in particular manipulation of anti-pollution systems such as particle filters.
Safety checks, such as those of brakes, suspensions and belts, will also be reinforced.
new transport pricing in Île-de-France
In Île-de-France, transport pricing will be simplified. A single ticket at 2.50 euros will allow you to travel on the metro, RER and Transilien networks, whatever the route.
A Navigo day pass at 12 euros will be introduced, while the Liberté+ Pass will see its price increase to 1.99 euros per journey for metros and trains. These adjustments aim to simplify access to transport and harmonize costs for users.
