What’s changing in October: Banking, timekeeping, and EU updates
October brings a cluster of practical updates for consumers, workers, and businesses across Europe. From a new recipient verification system for euro transfers to daylight saving time, digital health records, and energy metering, here is what you need to know to navigate the month.
Banking and payments: VoP and free real-time transfers
One major change kicks in on October 9: banks and savings banks must compare the name and IBAN of the recipient before carrying out a euro transfer. The aim is to prevent misdirected payments and curb fraud where criminals claim a different IBAN to divert funds. This procedure, known as Verification of Payee (VoP), applies to euro transfers regardless of channel — online banking, branch visits, or real-time payments.
In the euro area, real-time transfers are now free of charge for customers, provided the payment is in euros and not a foreign currency. Real-time transfers have been tech-enabled for some time; as of October 9, banks must also allow customers to send them without fees. The underlying requirement remains the SEPA standard, and the speed is near-instant, typically seconds. On weekends and holidays, normal transfers might still face delays, but real-time transfers operate continuously.
Other October regulatory and policy updates
End of daylight saving time (MEZ) – clocks back one hour
In the night from October 25 to October 26, daylight saving time ends and clocks return to Central European Time (MEZ). At 3:00 a.m., time shifts back one hour, effectively giving everyone an extra hour of sleep but a longer standard time in place thereafter. This topic continues to be debated, but the schedule remains in place for now.
New EU border control system: biometric entry-exit tracking
From October 12, the EU will roll out a digital system to record entries and exits of third-country nationals. Instead of passport stamps, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition will be used. After a six-month transition, the system should be fully operational, enabling faster, more secure border controls.
Electronic patient record (ePA) becomes mandatory for doctors
Starting October 1, physicians and other healthcare providers are required to document diagnoses, treatments, and medications in the electronic patient record (ePA). For patients, use of the ePA remains voluntary. You can decide who can access your health data, and you can revoke access. Be aware that once you authorize access, the data becomes visible to the approved providers. The ePA is designed to be available when needed, but access rights are controlled by the patient.
Wage updates for trades and apprentices
Roofing trade wages rise
The journeyman wage for workers in the roofing trade increases by 2.7 percent to 22.51 euros per hour. For trainees, the monthly allowances increase by 50 euros in the first two years, and by 30 euros in the third year. These changes affect wage agreements and pay scales in the sector.
Consumer tech and service updates
Spotify price update for new customers
Spotify raised prices for new Premium subscriptions as of August 14. Existing subscribers were given a three-month transition period. If you want to keep Premium, you must accept the updated price by October 14, 2025. As a gesture, Spotify will extend your current price for three more months. If you do nothing, your Premium membership will be cancelled automatically, and you can still use Spotify with the free, ad-supported tier.
Windows 10: support ends October 14
Microsoft confirms that Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates after October 14. Users who stay on Windows 10 may face higher vulnerability to malware and reduced performance. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended to maintain security and functionality.
Energy, environment, and housing
Pruning rules and nesting protection
From October 1, it is allowed again to prune hedges, bushes, and trees more aggressively. The protection window for nesting birds ends, which means trimming can resume. However, you should still avoid cutting during frost and be mindful of nests in the area. Year-round forms and maintenance cuts remain permissible, but wildlife habitats deserve consideration.
Metering of heating and hot water energy use
As of October 1, meters to record heating and hot water consumption must be installed where required. A previous exemption known as the “Wärmepumpenprivileg” allowed central heating systems to be metered differently, but that exemption ends now. The new requirement aims to improve fairness in energy billing and encourage savings, with landlords needing to ensure compliant metering for tenants.
