Level 1 header Gesellschafts- und Wirtschaftspolitik

Economic & Social Policy
The VDMA's economic policy positions are derived from the conviction that competition, individual responsibility and open markets form the basis for overall economic success. We call for a regulatory-based economic policy that creates a good, reliable framework for investment and innovation. In this way, we offer technological solutions, create secure employment and ensure that it will continue to be attractive to be an entrepreneur in Germany and Europe.

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In difficult economic times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personalised advice. Together, we find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies.

From our content

From our content
"Additional social spending is anti-benefit"

The pension package with additional expenditure envisaged by Labor Minister Bas does not solve any of the problems, but rather increases them. Companies and employees need serious structural reforms.

"Reduce red tape, don't water down the omnibus package!"

The EU omnibus package is intended to significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on companies. Now the package must no longer be torpedoed. Bureaucracy must not become an obstacle to innovation.

"China Exported" instead of CE mark

The Chinese ban on the supply of rare earths is causing unrest. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath explains why SMEs are particularly affected in the ZEIT business podcast.

"Providing real economic impetus now!"

Companies now need real economic stimulus such as the investment program. It must no longer be watered down in the negotiations with the federal states.

"Stop wasting trade opportunities with Canada"

Canada wants to expand its economic partnerships - an opportunity for Europe. It is crucial that the CETA free trade agreement is finally implemented in full.

Covering manufacturing risks with Hermes Cover

If export goods are not delivered, there is a risk of high losses - especially for custom-made products. Hermes Cover protects against losses due to sanctions or geopolitical conflicts, among other things.

Industry warns against watering down EU bureaucracy cuts

Nine major business associations from Germany have issued a joint appeal warning that progress on cutting red tape in Europe should not be jeopardized.

The work program for the second half of 2025

Security and competitiveness will be two overarching priorities for the Danish Presidency, but it will also focus on the 28th regime and data.

VDMA regulatory cockpit - exclusive for you as a member!

The VDMA regulatory cockpit provides you with a central, practical overview of current and upcoming regulations. It helps you identify relevant information at an early stage, evaluate it strategically, and derive concrete measures.

How Brazil's visa law can facilitate market access

From the VDMA's perspective, visa policy and technical interfaces are among the top issues for German-Brazilian cooperation in mechanical engineering. The German-Brazilian Business Days provide an opportunity for exchange.

VDMA Tech Guide Net-Zero Transition - New edition: deadline 19.8.2025!

The 6th edition of the VDMA Technology Guide Oil Gas Petrochemicals with focus on Net-Zero Solutions for energy-intensive Industries. Are you among the Who's Who of European process technology suppliers?

"Stay the course and ease the burden on European companies"

The EU omnibus package is intended to significantly reduce the burden on companies. This applies in particular to the limitation of due diligence obligations to direct business partners. The EU must not be dissuaded from this course.

"China is not playing fair - politicians must respond!"

Chinese companies often enjoy competition-distorting advantages and subsidies. In a new position paper, the VDMA makes demands on German and European politicians to counteract these disadvantages.

Utilising our own technological capabilities for raw materials

Europe's vulnerability in terms of security of supply is becoming increasingly clear. The VDMA is calling for a consistent European raw materials strategy that also relies on its own technologies.

CECE Report of Activities 2024

The publication provides an overview of CECE's activities. It shows the topics with which the CECE is involved at European and international level.

China: Massive delivery delays for rare earths - VDMA survey

The new Chinese export controls on rare earths and some products made from them are increasingly becoming a massive problem. China cannot keep up with issuing the export licenses that are now required.

Changes to "small" country-related EU embargoes

We always report on changes to major embargoes or embargo changes with significant relevance for mechanical and plant engineering at short notice. Here is an overview of less relevant embargo changes since January 2025.

Current VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes"

The tabular VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes" makes it easy to find out which countries are currently subject to EU embargo measures and what the current status of the embargo texts is.

"Economy must return to pole position"

VDMA Managing Director Dr. Tobias Ehrhard in conversation with Christian Dreyer, Managing Partner of Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer SE & Co. KG.

India and Brazil with tailwind – USA and China under pressure

The global business situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains mixed. While India and Brazil are impressing with good figures, China is struggling with structural challenges. The USA is characterized by the latest tariff policy.

EU sanctions on Syria largely lifted

With effect from May 29, 2025, the EU has largely, but not completely, lifted its sanctions against Syria. This is in response to the change in US policy towards Syria announced by President Trump in Saudi Arabia.

VDMA supports the withdrawal of the proposal on AI liability

The EU-Commission has announced that it will withdraw the proposal for a Directive on AI liability. VDMA is calling on the EU-Commission to take the necessary steps.

BMF: Referentenentwurf für ein steuerliches Investitionsprogramm

Bundesfinanzministerium legt Referentenentwurf für ein steuerliches Investitionssofortprogramm 2025 vor Die neue Bundesregierung will die steuerlichen Investitionsbedingungen zügig verbessern. Der nun vorgelegte Referentenentwurf (Anlage) soll wichti

"The right incentives for investment - implement them quickly now!"

The federal government's planned immediate tax investment program sends important signals to the economy. The improvement in the research allowance in particular is good news.

Omnibus Package IV to ease data protection obligations

On 21 May 2025, the EU Commission presented a fourth omnibus package to reduce the annual administrative costs for companies. It also provides for simplifications in the implementation of data protection for certain companies.

eDeclaration: Adoption of the negotiating mandate by the Council

The Council has adopted its negotiating mandate on the eDeclaration. This is a first step towards less bureaucracy in the area of posting of workers.

EU-Commission publishes the biggest barriers in the Single Market

The EU-Commission has presented a Single Market strategy and focuses on removing the 10 most harmful obstacles, including barriers to the posting of workers.

"More employment is only possible with lower non-wage labor costs"

Non-wage labor costs must be significantly reduced, only then can more employment be expected. this requires a real structural reform in the social security branches.

Bureaucracy is a particularly heavy burden on SMEs

SMEs suffer particularly from the high bureaucratic burden. A recent study shows that the costs of regulations can even exceed the ROI. Information obligations and occupational health and safety requirements are particularly burdensome.

"Startups are the litmus test for the EU's simplification plans"

It is right to combine the topic of startups and scaleups with an EU strategy. After all, startups drive Europe's innovative strength and future viability.

Securing payment terms for exports with credit insurance

Letters of credit or advance payment are not very attractive in a competitive environment. Credit insurance for payment terms is an alternative. These are also an entry into export financing.

Dialogue on entry and stay for business purposes

The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.

US tariffs harm trade worldwide

The majority of mechanical engineering companies are increasingly uncertain about the US market. An agreement on tariffs between the EU and the USA is now needed quickly. For the benefit of both sides.

Assessment of the Coalition Agreement 2025 from a building technology perspective

A lack of new buildings, stalled refurbishment projects and rising costs are making the transformation of existing buildings towards climate neutrality more difficult. Viable concepts and a simplification of construction and approval practices are needed.

"CBAM must be significantly simplified"

The CO2 border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) should be simplified. This is also urgently needed: Small and medium-sized companies in particular must be exempted.

Russia sanctions: Consolidated legal texts of the EU

The EU provides consolidated versions of its sanctions regulations. In the case of the Russia sanctions, the consolidated legal texts have now been updated to the 16th sanctions package.

Regul8: Quo Vadis CSRD

Did you miss the last Regul8 of the Conveyor Technology and Intralogistics Association? No problem, you can watch the two presentations on CSRD again here.

Russia sanctions: 17th EU sanctions package

On May 20, 2025, the EU published its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures (5 amending regulations) all come into force on May 21, 2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.

"Show more ambition and strengthen market surveillance"

The EU internal market needs ambitious reforms. The EU internal market strategy aims to improve Europe's competitiveness, but remains too vague in detail.

"The Federal Government must act quickly!"

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is sending out important industrial policy signals: reducing bureaucracy, tax incentives for investments and easier company start-ups. Now implementation must begin quickly.

Mastering political uncertainty, securing business

This was the motto of the VDMA Energy Networking Day held in Frankfurt on May 7 and 8. Around 80 members from several trade associations came together to discuss strategically relevant issues relating to energy and climate policy.

"The EU Commission's policy change is right and was overdue"

EU Commissioner Séjourné signals a change in policy to strengthen companies. What is needed is a drastic simplification of EU legislation, the completion of the internal market and more trade agreements.

Do not plan area development plan without hybrid connection concepts

Leading industry associations are urging the rapid implementation of hybrid offshore connections for the production of hydrogen.

VDMA Building Technology calls for a fresh start in new construction and refurbishment

With its new position paper, VDMA Building Technology appeals to politicians to set the right course for a sustainable and competitive turnaround in construction and modernization.

New EU counter tariffs: take part in the consultation!

The EU-Commission launches public consultations on possible countermeasures in response to Trump's introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts from the EU.

"Debate on flexibilization of working hours"

Companies in Germany urgently need relief, also in terms of labor market regulations. Switching to a maximum weekly working time would be an important step towards more flexibility.

U.S. Tariffs: the Most Frequently Asked Questions

The new Trump tariffs are not only raising costs for the machinery sector, but creating confusion and uncertainty among manufacturers that export to the United States.

"Setting the right course quickly: For Germany and Europe"

Friedrich Merz becomes Federal Chancellor at a particularly challenging time economically and socially. In the first 100 days, the course must be set for growth and competitiveness.

Analysis: CEP - Germany's energy security

The Centre for European Policy provides a good overview of the current state of the German energy sector with reference to natural gas and hydrogen as important energy sources and formulates recommendations for policy makers

"The EU Commission is finally getting its act together"

The EU internal market must be standardized and deepened. The points on the EU internal market strategy that have now become known in advance sound promising. This applies in particular to the "think-small first" approach.

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts
The statistically recordable world of mechanical and plant engineering - newly presented in interactive charts and tables. Find out about all the key economic figures for the industry and, in particular detail, about the development of the EU Single Market.
VDMA Brief on Politics and Business
In the daily political debate, convincing arguments are the be-all and end-all. In the VDMA's BriefPositions you will find short statements on current controversial issues.
PFAS - Indispensable for industrial processes
Industrially indispensable but facing a potential EU ban. Learn more about the reasons and consequences of the impending PFAS ban for machinery and plant engineering on the new VDMA expert topic page.
Standort Deutschland
The VDMA is calling for good framework conditions for the mechanical engineering industry to ensure competitiveness. Technological sovereignty and European cooperation are crucial for innovation and independence.
Labor Market
Competitiveness, growth and job security require adaptability, value creation based on the division of labour and a flexible labour market. Digitalisation requires modern framework conditions for Work 4.0.
Manufacturing-X
Industry 4.0 needs easily available, secure and consistent data networking. Manufacturing-X is designed to make this possible. The goal is to establish a data ecosystem that enables trustworthy data exchange between companies based on open standards and offers companies digital sovereignty.
European Policy
Europe is the home market for the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry, one of the largest industrial sectors in the EU economy. VDMA therefore stands for a competitive EU.
Green Deal
With the "Green Deal", the European Commission has presented a far-reaching program for more climate and environmental protection in the EU in 2019. The central goal is to become climate neutral by 2050, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 emission levels and to further promote the circular economy in Europe.
Europe and China
The perception of China in Germany and Europe has changed in recent years. Firstly, China is an important economic partner and also of significant importance for the German mechanical engineering sector. On the other hand, there is growing recognition at economic and political level in Germany and the European Union (EU) that the existing imbalance with China, for example in market access, is no longer acceptable.
Securing skilled workers
Almost 60 percent of employees in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are skilled workers. Alongside engineers, they shape the role of mechanical and plant engineering as a decisive enabler for green technologies.

Level 1 Themenwolke

Our topics

Podigee Player

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Social Policy

"Germany is currently paralysed due to a lack of direction and we need to put an end to this situation very quickly. "

VDMA President Bertram Kawlath

Auf den Punkt Zahl Gesellschaftspolitik

37

per cent

Did you know that around 37 percent of the bureaucratic burden is purely information requirements - irrespective of a specific permit or application?

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Gesellschaftspolitik

Summary
Ten points for Germany as a competitive centre of innovation
In order to strengthen Germany's innovative power, business associations and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have put forward ten key demands to politicians:
  • Better conditions for the transfer of research to industry and SMEs
  • More freedom through regulatory relief
  • Strengthening spin-offs through an improved start-up culture
  • More added value and sovereignty through innovative production technologies
  • International cooperation with technology leaders
  • Strengthening STEM education and technology skills

EventTeaser

Events
15. Deutscher Maschinenbau-Gipfel 2025

15. Deutscher Maschinenbau-Gipfel 2025

  • Economic Principles
  • Conference
  • Personal Meeting

On September 16 and 17, 2025, the 15th German Mechanical Engineering Summit will take place in Berlin. Two days full of inspiration, innovation and networking with the who's who of mechanical and plant engineering. Be part of it!

leer

Mon. 26.05.25 Mon. 26.05.25

  • Circular Economy
  • Artificial Intelligence

We cordially invite you to the Mechanical Engineering Summit on May 26 at SEW's Graben-Neudorf plant. Take a tour of the plant to see how one of Germany's flagship mechanical engineering companies manufactures. In the subsequent panel discussion with experts, you will find out how they deal with the pressing challenges of innovation.

Places available

Our services

Our services
VDMA Berlin Office
For VDMA, representing the political interests of its members is a core service. The capital office sees itself as a mediator not only for the interests of our members, but also for contacts between politics and companies.
VDMA European Office Brussels
The European Office is a bridge between business and politics. We inform our member companies about relevant political developments. We are a competent contact for EU decision-makers.
VDMA Regional Associations - Your Local Partners
No matter how big your company is and what solution you offer: We are there for you! With individual consulting, practical events, a comprehensive network and good connections to politics.
EU Bubble Talks – 30 minutes insights from Brussels
Whether it's the Green Deal, industrial strategy or digitization initiatives - have you always wanted to know more about the activities of the EU Commission and EU Parliament and how they affect the mechanical engineering industry? Then participate in our regular web seminar which is held in English and immerse yourself in the "Brussels Bubble" with us.
ShortPositions
The VDMA ShortPositions are published monthly and cover current political topics. We hereby intend to contribute to the exchange between politics and business.

exklusiv

Newsletter EU-Politics
Our monthly newsletter informs you about all social and economic policy issues that are discussed, decided on, and passed at the EU level.
Brief report by the IMPULS Foundation
As a complement to the classic studies of the IMPULS Foundation, the organization's brief reports provide a quick, initial assessment of current issues - without compromising on scientific standards and utility for readers.

Ausschüsse

Committees
Legal Committee
Public procurement
The Public Procurement Committee deals with fundamental issues of national and European public procurement law as well as the contract terms and conditions of public contracting authorities. This involves, among other things, the preparation of statements or participation in the amendments to the contracting regulations VOB and VOL. The VDMA positions are submitted to the public procurement committees and the federal ministries in charge. The committee meets twice a year.

Chair

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Markus Janse

osma GmbH & Co. KG

Legal Committee
Legal Committee
The VDMA Legal Committee is the traditional central body of the VDMA Legal Department, currently consisting of about 65 heads of legal departments of member companies. In the VDMA Legal Committee, legal topics relevant to mechanical engineering are discussed in a dedicated exchange, legal problems are identified and VDMA positions are co-drafted. The committee, which meets once a year, deals with ongoing topics (reform of the General Terms and Conditions) as well as current legal issues (digitalization, etc.) and offers members space for the important exchange of experience.

Chair

Dr. Jörg Kondring

Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA

Research, Innovation & Technology Committee
Research and Innovation Committee
The focus is on innovation policy, engineering and skilled worker training, and technology trends. At the same time, this VDMA top committee acts as a link in politics and science.

Chair

Dr. Stefan Rinck

Singulus Technologies AG

Management

Hartmut Rauen

Markets & Economy Committee
Committee on Macroeconomic Issues

The regular, practical assessment of the international economic situation of the mechanical engineering industry in the committee is an indispensable contribution to the VDMA's economic analysis, including short-term forecasts. In addition, the committee members support the VDMA's economic policy commitment by interpreting and discussing the content of economic developments and interrelationships in a political context.

 

Chair

Olaf Desch

Nidec DESCH Antriebstechnik

Markets & Economy Committee
Committee on Foreign Trade

The Foreign Trade Committee exchanges views on professional issues and tasks relating to exports. The members represent a cross-section of the mechanical engineering industry. They are part of the company's management or play a key role in exports. The Foreign Trade Committee mainly deals with market strategies for individual countries and regions as well as export issues such as trade policy and foreign trade policy.

 

 

Chair

Stefan Hantke

SCHNEEBERGER Holding AG

Sustainability & Energy Committee
Committee on Climate and Energy Policy
The Committee's areas of responsibility are in particular: - issues relating to climate and energy policy in general - Questions concerning the political framework conditions for the fields of energy conversion and energy efficiency in particular In doing so, the committee takes both an outward (politics, ministries, BDI, public, etc.) and an inward (VDMA organization) perspective of the tasks.

Chair

Dr. Daniel Chatterjee

Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH

Tax Committee
Tax Committee
In the Tax Committee, mainly heads of the tax/finance departments from the member companies discuss pending legislative projects and shape the VDMA's tax policy work

Chair

Dr. Ulrich Ruchti

Alfred H. Schütte GmbH & Co. KG

Education & Modern Working Committee
VDMA Education Committee
The VDMA Education Committee is the authoritative body for networking and exchange among VDMA member companies on education topics, as well as for monitoring and steering VDMA activities in this area.

Chair

Dipl.-Ing. (DH) Steffen Stippl

HOMAG GmbH

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VDMA partners

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Bündnis „Zukunft der Industrie“
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Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V.
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German Economic Institute
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IMPULS-Stiftung

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Vorteilskommunikation

Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.