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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The mechanical engineering sector is feeling the effects of the recession - yet companies only reduced their workforce by just under 1% in 2024. Even now, the core workforce is to be retained as much as possible.

The VDMA has addressed extensive demands to politicians. What do the parties think? Our overview shows the extent to which the mechanical and plant engineering industry is taken into account in the programs for the federal election on February 23, 2025.

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.

Less bureaucracy, a maximum tax rate of 25% and an efficient infrastructure are essential to ensure competitiveness. Germany will only remain a strong industrial location through bold reforms.

The German parliamentary election campaign is all about taking clear positions and making demands. VDMA Vice President Verena Thies explains where the industrial SME sector is struggling.

Donald Trump's economic program could be a test of strength for Europe. This makes it all the more important that the EU now acts as one, especially on trade issues.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The state should efficiently strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. The research allowance meets all the criteria for this and also strengthens companies in the face of unfair competition.

The EU rightly wants to put the structure of its budget to the test. Scarce resources must be managed efficiently, innovation and competitiveness must be at the top of the agenda.

Tax money for the scrappage scheme is not being put to good use. It would be better to use it at the beginning of the value chain in production research. This would benefit jobs and technologies.

Transformation will only succeed if the framework conditions for Germany as an industrial location are improved. Reforms must not be put on the back burner any longer.

The "Draghi Report" rightly emphasizes how important economic success is for Europe. Open markets and free trade in particular are essential for companies.

The Mercosur states are on the move and Europe can benefit from this. That is why the EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur must finally come into force.

The economic policy direction of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's guidelines is right. However, a broader strategy to strengthen Europe as a business location for all companies is still missing.

IG Metall's wage demands - in particular a 7 percent wage increase - are inappropriate in view of the tense economic situation.

The elections in France and the UK have some positive aspects for Europe - but the worry lines remain. France could become a weakened European partner.

In the 2025 budget, the Federal Government is committed to the debt brake and to incentives for growth. With the right prioritization of spending, both can succeed.

There will be less legislative activity in these months, because there are many institutional changes. The new EU-Commission is due to take office this year and needs time to define its priorities.

Over 220 leading figures from the European mechanical and plant engineering industry came together in Vienna to discuss the current challenges facing the industry and to exchange ideas on approaches to achieving climate neutrality.

Partner, competitor and system rival: China's role has changed dramatically. While still enormously important as a sales market, Beijing is at the same time making clear its claim to determine the rules of global trade.