From September 1, 2024, several new measures come into force in France, impacting different sectors such as education, health, agriculture, taxation, and air transport. Here is what to remember about the main reforms.
Written by NP – Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 7:17 a.m.
Education: New programs and needs groups
- Reform of school curricula
For the 2024-2025 school year, significant changes will be introduced to the French and mathematics programs, from cycle 1 (nursery) to cycle 2 (CE2). In French, greater importance will be given to the daily practice of reading and writing. In mathematics, the didactic approach is evolving with the adoption of the “Singapore” method, emphasizing the triptych “manipulate, verbalize, abstract”.
- Creation of needs groups for middle school students
For 6th and 5th grade students, needs groups will be set up in French and mathematics, in order to respond more effectively to the specific skills of students. This initiative is part of the “knowledge shock” intended to better support students.
- Reform of vocational high schools
The reform of vocational high schools now extends to all levels. It aims to revalue the vocational pathway by offering better support to students, responding to new skills needs and promoting teachers.
- Automated Scholarships
Scholarship holders can now consent to an automatic study of their scholarship entitlement when registering or re-registering their child in middle or high school. However, the traditional request remains possible between September 1 and October 17, and until October 31 for students registered with the CNED.
Health: STI screening without prescription
From September, it will be possible to get tested without a prescription for four sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in addition to HIV in medical biology laboratories. These tests will be 100% covered for those under 26, thus facilitating access to screening and prevention.
Agriculture: Simplification of agricultural projects
A new decree simplifies administrative formalities for agricultural projects. In particular, it reduces the time limit for legal action against agricultural hydraulic works and livestock facilities from 4 to 2 months, allowing a faster response to the needs of farmers, in a context of agricultural crisis.
Taxation and pensions: automatic adjustments
- Change in the withholding tax rate
As every year, the withholding tax rate may change depending on the income tax return filed in the spring. If your 2023 income differs from that of 2022, your tax rate and therefore your net salary could be adjusted. This new rate can be viewed in your personal space on impots.gouv.fr.
- Revaluation of retirement pensions
From September 1, the pensions of 1.1 million retirees will be revalued thanks to an increase in the minimum contribution, as part of the 2023 pension reform. This increase, of approximately 56 euros per month, will concern retirees who have had a continuous career with at least 120 quarters of contributions at a salary close to the minimum wage, subject to specific ceilings.
Fuels
A significant drop in fuel prices is to be noted for the month of September.
The price of super unleaded is decreasing by 7 cents to 1.64 euros. The price of diesel is displayed at 1.29 euros/L, a decrease of 5 cents.
The price of a gas bottle remains unchanged at 15 euros, thanks to local aid.
Air transport: Return of restrictions on liquids in the cabin
European airports will reintroduce the 100ml rule for liquids in the cabin from September. The move follows flaws discovered in security scanners that allowed the rule to be temporarily relaxed. Airport security checks will be stepped up to ensure passenger safety.
