Economic & Social Policy - vdma.org

Discover the current economic policy positions 2024 of the VDMA . The focus is on topics such as drive in change, digitalization and international competitiveness.

In the daily political debate, good arguments are the be-all and end-all. In the VDMA's brief positions you will find short statements on current controversial issues.

The Institute of Machine Tools and Production Engineering (IWF) is jointly headed by Prof. Klaus Dröder and Prof. Christoph Herrmann.

The European single market urgently needs reforms to improve and deepen it. Small and medium-sized companies are particularly dependent on this.

Although defense and security will be the main topics, other issues such as European competitiveness will also determine the Polish agenda.

The USA is an important market for the German mechanical engineering industry. Despite protectionist tendencies, the dynamic remains positive; with the potential of headwinds. The VDMA calls for close EU-US relations and rejects tariffs.

At the end of 2024, Switzerland and the EU managed to redefine their relations. It is questionable whether the necessary referendum in Switzerland will accept the rules.

Tax incentives for research offer small and medium-sized companies in particular incentives to invest in research and development.

2025 is the year in which Germany must set the course for growth and competitiveness. It needs more courage to ensure freedom and rapid political reforms.

On January 1, 2025 and over the course of the next year, a number of changes will be made to the labor market.

On December 18, 2024, the Federal Cabinet decided to extend the period of entitlement to short-time working allowance.

The German government now also wants to relieve companies of CSRD reporting obligations. It would be an urgently needed step. Politicians must now do everything they can to convince the EU of this measure.

Structural changes are needed, not the expansion of expensive special formats. The extension of the short-time working allowance is a political mistake.

The VDMA Dubai meeting was characterized by a positive mood - driven by current business as well as business expectations. Nevertheless, there are challenges.

The European Deforestation Regulation is being postponed - an important measure to ease the burden on companies. Other EU regulations must now also be put to the test as part of the omnibus regulation.

This year’s VDMA Industry Meeting Mining & Minerals on 21 November at Zeche Zollverein in Essen focused on current pressing issues such as securing raw materials, sustainability and the implementation of regulatory requirements.

Both the CDU/CSU and the SPD want to pay more attention to industrial SMEs. It is high time for this - but it must not end in new burdens for companies.

The EU Commission agrees to postpone the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.

The current annual report of the Legal Department has been published. Member companies can download it here.

Heavy seas and no calm in sight: the mechanical engineering industry expects a decline in production and a slight reduction in jobs in 2025. A political turnaround is needed to strengthen the industry.

The workshop series of the Effizienz-Agentur NRW (efa) provides practical support for the NRW mechanical and plant engineering industry when entering into circular business models - this offers enormous potential even in times of crisis.

The EU-Mercosur agreement must now become a reality as quickly as possible. It is an important signal against isolationism and must not be called into question again in the EU Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

The EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur must finally be signed at the summit in Uruguay. This could save the EU alone 4 billion euros a year in customs duties.

The COP29 climate conference in Baku has opened the way to a global carbon market - but postponed crucial questions on financing global climate protection. Small steps, but not nearly enough.

The EU Commission President wants to ease the burden on industry in Europe by simplifying regulations. There must be no taboos, even hard-won compromises must be tackled anew.

The business climate in India and Brazil remains positive. Significant sales growth is expected in both countries for the current year 2024 as well as for 2025.

The agreement reached at the COP climate conference on a voluntary global carbon market is a milestone. It has the potential to accelerate the global use of particularly efficient technologies to avoid emissions.

On November 8, 2024, the Executive Board of VDMA NRW met for political talks in Berlin. Topics such as reducing bureaucracy, securing skilled workers, the energy transition and digitalization were discussed. Find out more about the results and the participants

The Annual Tax Act 2024 is a constructive compromise. Now measures for industry must follow, such as improved declining balance depreciation.

Competitiveness, growth and a long-term supply of labor and skilled workers require adaptability, a flexible labor market and a future-proof social security system.

The new EU Commission can begin its work on December 1. Europe's industry now needs quick decisions to strengthen its competitiveness.

The new Clean Industrial Deal seeks to answer the industry calls for competitiveness as the successor of the EU Green Deal .

NORDMETALL and the Bavarian Metal and Electrical Industry Association (vbm) reached a pilot agreement with the IG Metall districts on the coast and Bavaria on November 12, 2024.

The ‘Circular Production NRW’ funding programme is supporting innovative projects for sustainable, resource-efficient and circular value creation in SMEs with 21 million euros.

EU substance policy is bringing about far-reaching regulatory changes that will have a lasting impact on mechanical and plant engineering - we have shed light on the challenges and prospects.

US President-elect Donald Trump is threatening the EU with tariffs, while in Germany the traffic light coalition is falling apart. Difficult times for the industrial SME sector - which must not experience six months of political standstill.

he posting of employees in Europe must not be a bureaucratic madness. The EU Commission's proposal for an eDeclaration is right, but further measures must follow.

Salaries in the mechanical engineering sector are already at a very high level. The pilot wage agreement in the metal and electrical industry will therefore push many companies to their limits.

The COP29 world climate conference is taking place in Baku (Azerbaijan) from November 11 to 29. Find out here what topics will be discussed there and how the results could affect the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

CECE Congress 2024 brought together industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders to discuss the future of the European construction equipment sector.

Climate protection needs sufficient resources - both financially and technologically. The climate conference in Baku must set the right course for this.

The German government wants to create incentives to work longer. However, the necessary major reforms are lacking. A new report by the IMPULS Foundation points the way forward.

The U.S. government has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit the importation of vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian hardware or software.

Valdis Dombrovskis is to take on a decisive portfolio in the EU Commission. There are still no concrete proposals for better regulation that could signal real change.

Donald Trump's second term in office will be a greater challenge for the mechanical engineering industry than his first presidency. The USA remains an attractive market, but Trump's tariff plans will have a noticeable impact on trade.

Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.

The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule restricting certain investments in the Chinese semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence sectors.

In our theme publication you will find facts and figures on research and development, innovations and patents in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

In industry, employment subject to social security contributions continues to decline. If you want to secure industrial jobs, you have to reduce the burden of social security contributions.

Companies in Europe need significant relief quickly: less bureaucracy and laws that can also be implemented in practice. A VDMA position paper.