Neighboring France: everything that changes on January 1

Various regulatory or pricing changes, more or less significant, come into force in France from this Wednesday.

New developments that will affect the daily lives of those who live on the other side of the border, in particular European cross-border workers and many Swiss. The “Tribune de Genève” presents the main changes to you.

More expensive gas

The average benchmark price of gas for cooking and domestic hot water increases, per kWh increasing from 0.141 to 0.146 euros including tax, we read on the website of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). Same upward trend for the average benchmark price of gas for heating, per kWh increasing from 0.112 to 0.117 euros including tax.

More expensive insurance

Significant increases are anticipated, up to 6% for car insurance, 10% for (supplementary) mutual health insurance and 12% for housing, according to the financial website MoneyVox.

The price of mail and parcels is increasing

The postal rate bill increases by 6.8% on average, indicates the website Service-Public.fr. The green letter goes from 1.29 to 1.39 euros, the registered letter (20 grams) from 5.36 to 5.74 euros and the international letter (up to 20 grams) from 1.96 to 2.10 euros . On the other hand, the red e-letter retains its price of 1.49 euros.

As for Colissimo shipments sent to individuals, the increase is on average 5.2%, all destinations combined (France and international).

Tobacco prices on the rise

The price of tobacco increases depending on the producers and the articles, indicate French Customs. Cigarettes, cigars, heating tobacco and packets of rolling tobacco are affected.

The less profitable PEL

The interest rate for the Housing Savings Plan (PEL) increases to 1.75%, compared to 2.25% until then, informs the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

This rate is applicable to all PELs opened from 1^is January. Those opened in previous years are remunerated according to other interest rates.

As a reminder, the PEL is a regulated savings product which allows you to subsequently obtain credit at a more or less preferential rate to contribute to the acquisition of housing.

Thermal strainers prohibited from (re)rental

In accordance with the Climate and Resilience Law, housing classified G (energy-intensive, poorly insulated) in the energy performance diagnosis (DPE) can no longer be (re)rented, recalls the Ministry of Territorial Planning and Ecological Transition.

This prohibition applies to new rental contracts, and at the time of renewal or tacit renewal of current leases.

By de facto reducing the number of properties available for rental, the measure risks accentuating the crisis already plaguing the rental market in neighboring France.

Traffic restrictions for the most polluting vehicles

To drive in low emission zones (ZFE) set up in urban areasAnnemasse andAnnecyin Haute-Savoie, motorized vehicles must have a Crit’Air sticker. The aim is to gradually prohibit access to these areas for the most polluting vehicles, in order to improve air quality.

Note that the Geneva Stick’Air macaroon is recognized on both sides of the border.

New compulsory vaccines for babies

Vaccination against meningococcal strains A, B, C, W and Y becomes compulsory for infants, announces the Ministry of Health. It is required for entry into the community.

This decision comes against a backdrop of a rebound in France in infections by these bacteria, which can cause serious meningitis.

Increase in pensions

Basic pensions are increased by 2.2%, in line with inflation. This is the consequence of the motion of censure voted on December 4 against the former Barnier government. As the 2025 Social Security budget has not been adopted, the classic rule for revaluing pensions set out in the Social Security Code applies, explains the website Service-Public.fr.

New rules for unemployment

Payment of unemployment benefit is monthly on the basis of thirty calendar days, whatever the month, specify the authorities.

In addition, the age limits for benefiting from the maximum duration of compensation are extended by two years. Concretely, to receive compensation for twenty-two and a half months, you must be 55 years old, and not over 53 years old. And to receive your benefits for twenty-seven months, you must have celebrated your 57th birthday, compared to 55 until then.

In addition, to be entitled to unemployment benefit, seasonal workers must have worked not for six months, but for five months over the last twenty-four months.

Note that the text which sets the new rules comes into force on 1^is January but, for operational reasons, these will not take effect until 1^is avril.

And again

Fabrice Breithaupt has been a journalist and PR editorial secretary since 1995. He deals with Franco-Swiss cross-border issues, but also real estate, employment and training.More info

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