Germany allows multiple nationality for first time

More people will be able to become German citizens without giving up their existing nationality, following the enactment of government reforms on Thursday. The change in Germany's citizenship laws marks the first time the country has agreed to let people have multiple citizenships. Previously, German citizenship was typically only granted as an exception to nationals of European Union member countries and Swiss nationals, as well as individuals able to prove "special hardships", reported the Deutsche Welle news service, or DW. The new rules aim to provide extended rights to non-German long-term residents in Germany, as the coalition government, comprising the Social Democrats, Greens, and the Free Democrats, seeks to boost naturalization rates to encourage faster integration into society. Faeser emphasized that the rule changes aim to make naturalization easier for those who share Germany's values, but added that there will be zero tolerance for foreign individuals displaying anti-Semitic, racist, or any other harmful behaviors.