What does January 2025 have in store for you? From January 1, 2025, several reforms will come into force in France with gray changes in Paris, affecting areas as varied as unemployment insurance, pensions, low-emission zones (ZFE), RSA, traffic and transport. These changes, the result of negotiations and new directives, aim to respond to economic, social and environmental issues.
The month of January is coming quickly! If this month is awaited by many and feared by others, this year it has several novelties and a few changes affecting employment, ecology, health, transport and automobiles. These developments reflect ambitions for economic, social and environmental transition. Let's discover together the upheavals that await us in France from this January 1, 2025.
Low emission zones and Crit'Air 3 restrictions
THE low emission zones (ZFE) harden from January. Classified vehicles Crit’Air 3 (diesels registered before 2011 and gasoline before 2006) will be banned in several large cities, such as Paris and Lyon, with restrictive time slots varying depending on the city. In Strasbourg, a postponement until 2027 is envisaged thanks to an improvement in air quality. This measure will affect nearly 8 million vehiclesor around 21% of the French automobile fleet.
Simplification of transport pricing in Île-de-France
In Île-de-France, transport pricing will be simplified. A single ticket at €2.50 will allow travel on the metro, RER and Transilien networks, whatever the route. A Navigo day pass at €12 will be introduced, while the Liberty+ Pass will see its price increase to €1.99 per journey for metros and trains. These adjustments aim to simplify access to transport and harmonize costs for users.
Reinforced technical inspection for vehicles
The technical control evolves to meet 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. These changes could lead to an increase in the cost of technical inspection, although no official announcement has been made on this subject.
Reforms in real estate and rental housing such as AirBnB
Several changes are impacting the real estate sector. MaPrimeRenov'the flagship aid for energy renovation, will see its budgetary envelope reduced, targeting only major works. The tax system Pinelsupporting rental investment, will end with no replacement planned, which could slow down construction in stressed areas. Adopted on November 7, 2024 after more than two years of debate, the Le Meur law, nicknamed the “anti-Airbnb law”, aims to regulate the rental of furnished tourist accommodation. Faced with a development deemed uncontrolled by this type of rental, the text intends to meet the needs of French people seeking permanent housing and limit the abuse of platforms such as Airbnb. Ban on renting thermal strainers, more power for municipalities and new obligations for owners are on the agenda.
New health record and compulsory medical examinations
A new health record will be deployed, with pages dedicated to the prevention of screen use to protect the mental health of young people. Mandatory medical examinations for children will change: a new examination will be added at 7 years of age, while the one carried out before the end of the first month will be removed. These modifications aim to better monitor the physical and psychological development of children, as well as to strengthen screening for neurodevelopmental disorders.
The reform of the RSA
From January 1, 2025, the Active Solidarity Income (RSA) will undergo significant changes aimed at strengthening the professional integration of beneficiaries. From now on, beneficiaries will have to devote 15 hours per week integration activities, such as training, internships or company immersions, in order to encourage their return to employment. This reform, tested since 2023 in several departments, will be generalized throughout France. In addition, all RSA beneficiaries will be automatically enrolled in France Workthus replacing Pôle Emploi, for personalized and intensive support. Sanctions, which may go as far as suspension of the allowance, are provided for in the event of non-compliance with commitments. These measures aim to achieve the full employment objective set by the government.
Reform of unemployment insurance and employment of seniors
The rules ofunemployment insurance are evolving, particularly for cross-border workers and seniors. Benefits for unemployed cross-border workers working in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium or Luxembourg will be recalculated downwards, on stricter bases. Seniors will benefit from new age limits for extended compensation: 55 years for 22.5 months et 57 years for 27 months. In addition, measures aimed at encouragingemployment of seniors include specific contracts and improved access to progressive retirementseven if the latter remain conditional on the agreement of the employer.
These reforms reflect a desire to adapt to contemporary issues, whether economic, ecological or social. While they promise progress, their implementation also raises questions about their long-term impacts.
It is confirmed, from January 1, 2025, vehicles classified Crit'Air 3 will no longer be able to circulate in Paris and the inner suburbs (i.e. in 79 municipalities) due to the establishment of the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) of Greater Paris; [Lire la suite]
Announced, but not yet voted on, it is now a done deal, the pricing of the single ticket at €2.50 for Paris and the whole of Ile-de-France will indeed come into force on January 1, 2025. Ile-de-France France Mobilités is introducing a single transport rate of €2.50 for metro, RER and train journeys throughout the Paris region. This reform aims to simplify prices for the 4 million occasional users, thus making the network more understandable. Good news for some and bad news for others, we tell you everything. [Lire la suite]
