Economic & Social Policy - vdma.org

The VDMA is calling for reliable framework conditions for growth and competitiveness in Germany in 2025. Together we can master the challenges of the future. You can find the details in the economic policy positions for 2025.

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.

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

The current EU-US Data Privacy Framework constitutes a legal basis for the transfer of personal data to the USA. How do current political developments affect this data transfer instrument?

The EU is right to keep a cool head in response to US President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs. An open trade war would serve no one. However, the EU should use the momentum for new free trade agreements.

VDMA President Bertram Kawlath calls for government reform to reshape the labor market. Security also means increasing industrial competitiveness.

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

Did you miss the last Regul8 of the Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association? No problem, you can watch the presentation on current EU policy again here.

In turbulent times, good trade relations are just as important as innovation. With the guest country Canada and the focus on the use of artificial intelligence in production, Hannover Messe 2025 has set the right signals.

The USA is much more than just a major sales market for industry in Europe. The change in trade policy under Donald Trump is hitting companies all the harder. Europe must now show unity and strength - in every respect.

Good news from Brussels: the suspension of several reporting obligations gives companies the capacity to act in order to focus on important areas of transformation.

VDMA has conducted an initial analysis of the Mercosur agreement. This Free Trade Agreement is an important signal against isolationism and in favor of open markets in the current tense geopolitical situation.

Section 273a of the German Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO), which was introduced on April 1, 2025, provides extended protection for owners of trade secrets.

For the 15th time, VDMA organised the European Policy Reception together with Deutsche Messe. This year, one thing is clear: everything revolves around how to deal with US President Trump, because a trade war benefits no one.

The machinery industry is calling for a thorough state reform in Germany to increase industrial competitiveness. The EU, too, must get the economic development in Europe back on track.

Europe and its close relations with host country Canada shaped the opening of Hannover Messe 2025. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath emphasized the strengths of both partners.

The labor market is sending a clear signal: structural reforms are needed now instead of further social benefits, even if they may be unpopular.

What impact will tariff decisions have on transatlantic relations or the global agricultural machinery trade? And how will the EU's change of course away from the Green Deal affect our industry?

Tariffs of 25 percent on the import of cars and car parts have been announced. They are due to come into force starting May 3.

Bureaucratic obligations place a considerable burden on small companies in the industrial SME sector. A new IMPULS study shows that the total burden of regulation for them is higher than the gross return on sales.

Even after the ruling on the solidarity surcharge, the government must provide tax relief for companies. Abolishing the solidarity surcharge would make an important contribution to this.

The planned coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD must make Germany competitive again. To achieve this, significant reforms must also be made to taxes and social security contributions.

On March 12, the USA imposed tariffs of 25 percent on all steel and aluminum products, including some steel and aluminum derivatives. This affects the mechanical and plant engineering sector, especially the spare parts business.

More than 250 leaders in machinery and equipment manufacturing from across Europe came to Amsterdam on 17 and 18 March 2025 to discuss geopolitics, new markets, innovation and the shortage of labour.

To ensure the competitiveness of the mechanical and plant engineering industry, the VDMA is calling for reliable economic framework conditions. A strong industry means a strong economy.

In response to the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, the EU-Commission has initiated countermeasures against imports from the US. This included a consultation on EU countermeasures for US exports.

Europe's defense industry needs efficient value chains for components and production technologies. The European mechanical and plant engineering industry will play a key role here.

There are major growth opportunities for the mechanical and plant engineering sector in climate protection technologies. To remain competitive, reliable framework conditions for investments and technology-open implementation are essential.

The German parliament has cleared the way for investment in infrastructure and defense capabilities. The new federal government must also introduce far-reaching structural reforms to strengthen the business location.

The parties to the collective agreement in the M E industry in Baden-Württemberg have concluded a collective agreement that enables companies to lend employees to each other in order to avoid short-time working or redundancies.

The future German government is facing decisive decisions. Clear industrial policy impulses are necessary to ensure growth and innovation. A guest article by VDMA President Bertram Kawlath for CEO.Table.

IG Metall wants to secure industrial jobs by giving preference to companies bound by collective agreements. This is the wrong approach.

Emissions trading is the lead instrument for climate protection. EU countries are using additional instruments to achieve further targets. An IMPULS study examines the challenges of the instrument mix.

With the introduction of the new Ecodesign Regulation and the creation of a Digital Product Passport (DPP), the EU Commission has implemented key elements of the EU Green Deal.

At the end of November 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that the "customer installation" grid category is unlawful.

The EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus has been somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding US President Trump. But there are new risks and details that VDMA members have to deal with.

Germany's innovative strength as a business location must be strengthened now. An alliance of leading business associations and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft jointly present ten key demands to politicians.

After the second face-to-face meeting on 8.11.2024 and numerous further online meetings of the 7 sub-working groups, the first drafts and H2 requirements lists are available. (update no. 3)

Through the transfer of technology and knowledge, students receive practical training and companies can retain skilled workers. SMEs should be supported in cooperations in university teaching.

The EU wants to noticeably relieve companies of the bureaucratic costs associated with CBAM. This is a welcome relief for many small and medium-sized companies.

Package to reduce the bureaucratic burden on companies in the area of sustainability also provides for adjustments to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

The objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal are fundamentally correct. However, EU policy must urgently improve the conditions in Europe across the board. Not only the symptoms of crisis industries must be treated.

President Trump is calling for reciprocal trade and tariffs – what impact might this have on machinery and equipment manufacturers and transatlantic trade?

The EU seems to have its sights set on cutting red tape. The announced proposal to simplify regulations must therefore include concrete improvements for companies. That is what matters now.

Germany and Europe need stability and medium-sized industrial companies need attractive framework conditions. The tasks for the new federal government are thus clearly outlined.

In this session of the event series "With new knowledge into the year 2025", VDMA Power Systems will shed light on the topic of the CS3D supply chain law.

Description

Germany continues to lose its attractiveness as a business location in international competition. This is also due to the high tax burden on small and medium-sized companies.

The modern production world depends crucially on a secure and equally modern energy supply. The variety of solution ideas will be presented at Hannover Messe.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk may appear to be saviors - in reality, they are more like "wrecking balls". VDMA President Bertram Kawlath argues against this in an interview.