DAS THEMENSPEKTRUM DES VDMA - DAS THEMENSPEKTRUM DES VDMA - DAS THEMENSPEKTRUM DES VDMA -


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.
The EU Commission has launched a survey on the provision of construction and installation services. Take part!
The EU-Commission has announced in its work program that it will withdraw its proposal for a Directive on AI liability. This is welcomed by VDMA.
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 EU's planned omnibus regulation could simplify three particularly burdensome sets of rules for companies. However, the EU needs to talk much more with small and medium-sized enterprises.
On February 4, 2025, the EU Commission published guidelines to provide an overview of the AI systems that have been banned in the EU since this February.
Companies are waiting for the promised relief from the EU Commission. Quick and clear measures are now needed to strengthen the competitiveness of industry.
The Chinese government has taken countermeasures in response to the US government's announcement that it will impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all imports from China.
The establishment of a European private company would make it easier for companies to set up companies in other EU Member States under simple conditions and thus benefiting from a harmonized set of rules.
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 Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSJ) has commissioned a special study on the issue of father-friendliness in mechanical and plant engineering as part of the "Success Factor Family" corporate program.
The US tariffs for Canada and Mexico also affect the mechanical engineering industry - and its American customers. Quick negotiations are needed to get the tariffs off the table.
In the IEA's 2024 "Energy Technology Perspectives" report, the agency looks at global market developments in green technologies and the resilience of their production chains.
Employment in the mechanical and plant engineering sector is also expected to fall slightly this year. This makes it all the more important to reduce labor costs now.
Germany is at a crossroads. The construction and renovation crisis, coupled with the ambitious goals of the heating transition, calls for comprehensive measures and clear political strategies.
The EU and the Philippines announced the resumption of trade negotiations in 2024. VDMA prepared a document with the most important demands for the negotiating teams, e.g. the abolition of all tariffs.
The VDMA NRW Board of Directors meeting focused on setting the political course: together with VDMA President Bertram Kawlath, the focal points of political lobbying and regional support were discussed.
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.
In January 2025, the EU Commission presented its report "The net-zero manufacturing industry landscape across the Member States". It documents the current state of affairs.
With the Omnibus Regulation, Commission President von der Leyen wants to consolidate, reduce and simplify various ESG reporting obligations. The VDMA welcomes the initiative and is submitting specific proposals for improvement.
In mid-May 2025, the East German mechanical and plant engineering industry will be in the spotlight. During the East German Economic Forum in Bad Saarow, Alexander Jakschik will be in a prime position to explain how economic policy needs to change.
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.
The EU is committed to a more competitive Europe. A strategy for European industry must not get lost in individual aids, but must fundamentally strengthen Europe as a business location.
VDMA welcomes the announcement by the EU and Malaysia to resume their trade negotiations. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the machinery sector could then be removed.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final rules that prohibit the sale or import of vehicles equipped with hardware or software associated with Chinese or Russian-controlled entities.
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.
2025 is the last year before CBAM’s full implementation, what are the latest developments EU companies need to consider?
The high pace of innovation in mechanical and plant engineering requires more industry orientation in funding, strengthening of collaborative research, transfer platforms, and the expansion of research funding for future-proof jobs.
The VDMA calls for a labor market policy that secures skilled workers, recognizes performance, offers flexibility, and thereby stabilizes our social systems.
The VDMA calls for lower tax burdens, including the abolition of the solidarity surcharge and a corporate tax rate of a maximum of 25 percent.
Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year
The transformation to climate neutrality presents a significant competitive opportunity for Germany and Europe. To fully capitalize on this potential, emissions trading and climate protection technologies must be designed effectively.
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.
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