The Commission Advocates for Granted Authority to Conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment of Recent Policies
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In the heart of Europe, Germany's burial laws have long been a subject of debate, with politicians, experts, and the public discussing the merits of relaxation and preservation. This article provides an overview of the current state of Germany's burial laws, focusing on the ongoing discussions and the varied regulations across the country.
Rudi Fischer, a member of the MdL and FDP, has been advocating for a relaxation of the cemetery obligation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that neither new nor traditional burial forms are disadvantaged. He highlights the need for real freedom of choice for the people, with a focus on careful consideration and respect for all cultural forms of burial.
Meanwhile, the Greens have announced their intention to include burial law reform in their 2026 state election manifesto. Thomas Poreski, an MP representing the Reutlingen constituency, stresses the importance of addressing the question of the final resting place appropriately.
The debate surrounding burial laws is not new to the German parliament. Discussions on the cemetery obligation took place in 2014 and 2022, with no change or adjustment seen as necessary. However, the landscape is not uniform across the country.
Bremen, known for its more liberal regulations, permits sea burials and the scattering of ashes outside of cemeteries. Other German states, however, generally adhere to strict cemetery obligations, requiring ashes or remains to be buried or stored in authorized cemeteries. Some states do provide exceptions, allowing natural burials in designated natural burial sites or forests.
Sea burials are very restricted in German waters, with permissions usually controlled at the state level. Naval or maritime scatterings are exceptional and often require special authorizations. Some states have begun to allow natural burials in "natural burial grounds" with fewer restrictions than traditional cemeteries, focusing on environmentally friendly options.
The scattering of ashes outside cemeteries is largely restricted, but certain states have relaxed the cemetery obligation somewhat, permitting scattering in natural settings under regulated conditions or with official permission.
Manuel Hailfinger, a CDU state parliamentarian, supports the cemetery obligation, arguing that it ensures the deceased are buried in a publicly accessible place for all relatives and friends, protecting the burial culture of joint mourning.
Rudi Fischer plans to continue dealing with the burial law, aiming to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved. In 2022, the Ministry of Social Affairs held a discussion with stakeholders in the funeral industry, which revealed a majority consensus and agreement on reforming the burial law.
For precise, up-to-date information on which German states allow sea burials, natural burials, or have relaxed cemetery obligations for scattering ashes, it is best to consult the local burial laws of each state or contact the respective health or cemetery authorities.
In summary, while Bremen is an example of a state permitting sea burials and the scattering of ashes outside of cemeteries, other German states generally adhere to strict cemetery obligations. Sea burials are very restricted, and cemetery obligations generally apply. Specific permissions and practices vary by state.
[1] Information on current state-by-state regulations could not be found in the provided search results, but it is recommended to consult the local burial laws of each state or contact the respective health or cemetery authorities for precise, up-to-date information.
- The ongoing burial law reform discussions in Germany, as proposed by the Greens in their 2026 state election manifesto, could potentially lead to an integration of health-and-wellness practices, such as mental health considerations, in the final resting place selection process.
- In the process of finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved in the burial law debate, it might be beneficial to involve experts from the field of science, specifically focusing on mental health and wellness, to provide insights on the psychological impact of various burial practices on relatives and the public.
