On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Landesverband NORD / AG MES was a guest at SAACKE GmbH for an intensive discussion with Senator Kristina Vogt at the Mechanical Engineering Industry Dialogue.
The EU internal market needs ambitious reforms. The EU internal market strategy aims to improve Europe's competitiveness, but remains too vague in detail.
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.
On May 6 and 7, 2025, experts in hospital logistics and process management met for networking and further training at the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL).
The role of automation today and in the future was discussed by hospital pharmacists from all over Germany at the ADKA annual congress in Berlin.
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.
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.
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.
Germany brings up the rear of the industrialized nations in terms of forecast economic growth. Reforms are also needed in the labor market, which can be perceived as painful.
The future of pension funding is the biggest gap in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD. Unpopular measures are also needed to make pensions fit for the future.
The VDMA reviews the coalition agreement with a focus on key issues such as energy, climate, digitalization, education, tax and labor market policy. The executive summary highlights opportunities, gaps, and necessary adjustments.
Strategic impetus for North Rhine-Westphalia's innovation and competitiveness
VDMA has met with the EU Member States, the EU-Commission and the EU-Parliament to campaign for the eDeclaration. If adopted, this would be an important first step towards reducing bureaucracy.
The future governing parties have negotiated a coalition agreement very quickly. It contains some good ideas for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. However, the tax relief for companies comes too late.
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?
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.
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.
med.Logistica is the leading congress and trade fair for process optimization and logistics in hospitals. In May 2025, it will once again make Leipzig THE meeting place for decision-makers from logistics and healthcare.
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?
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.
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.
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.
IG Metall wants to secure industrial jobs by giving preference to companies bound by collective agreements. This is the wrong approach.
Associations of the plastics industry and waste management industry continue to work together
Germany needs a stable government quickly. The results of the exploratory talks between the CDU/CSU and SPD may make this possible, but they avoid the necessary change that would help medium-sized industrial companies.
Germany must take responsibility for defense capability and security and invest heavily in defense and infrastructure. Time-limited and earmarked special funds are better than softening the debt brake.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
In a joint statement, 17 organizations call for a reality check of the European hydrogen policy
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.
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 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 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.
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.
VDMA Power-to-X for Applications can look back on an eventful 2024 and has big plans for 2025.
2025 is the last year before CBAM’s full implementation, what are the latest developments EU companies need to consider?
Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year
Although defense and security will be the main topics, other issues such as European competitiveness will also determine the Polish agenda.
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.
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.
Evaluation of the current "Business Climate Survey China" of our China office for fall 2024 - overall market and electrical automation sector.
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 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.
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.
The EU-Commission has given the go-ahead for a single EU-wide digital declaration portal for the posting of workers. VDMA expressly welcomes this first step towards reducing bureaucracy.
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.
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.
The end of the traffic light coalition threatens to place a further heavy burden on medium-sized industrial companies. The mechanical engineering industry expects a new government to provide stability and quickly adopt reforms to boost investment.
On October 29, the European Commission hosted a webinar explaining the application process for strategic recognition of manufacturing projects under the Net-Zero Industry Act.
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.
Saxony and Thuringia need stable state governments. Long stalemates in the negotiations will damage industry even more. Majorities are needed for good location policy projects.
India is an important growth market for the European mechanical engineering industry. At the same time, India is one of the last high-duty countries in the mechanical engineering sector. A free trade agreement is therefore urgently needed.
The four states of the European Free Trade Association and India have signed a trade and economic partnership agreement. If they can do it, why can't the EU?
"We must act - now and "We have to act - now and immediately!" With this clear appeal to politicians, the new VDMA President Bertram Kawlath starts into office. He says: It is essential to improve the location factors quickly and significantly now.
Germany needs structural changes to its social insurance systems. Higher contributions are not the solution.
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 tougher the dispute between the USA and China becomes in global trade, the greater the pressure on Europe. What will industries have to face if rules-based trade is pushed aside?
Representatives of VDMA met with Commission officials from DG GROW, CONNECT and JUST to discuss reducing bureaucracy for SMEs, late payments, the EU Data Act and liability.
The planned amendment to the Residence Act is complicated and legally questionable. It would be simpler to remove the ban on temporary employment agencies in the immigration of skilled workers.
Excessive bureaucracy is one of the most annoying issues for SMEs. A planned small-scale reduction in regulation is just a drop in the ocean.
The contribution increases announced in Pension Package II mean further burdens for the economy. The younger generations and employers are expected to solve problems that politicians are not addressing strategically.
The EU Deforestation Regulation is a prime example of well-intentioned but poorly implemented regulation. It must be postponed and fundamentally revised.
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.
VDMA hopes for a breakthrough: a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Indonesia can significantly advance the European mechanical engineering industry in Southeast Asia.
Brandenburg has written an economic success story. In the future, it will continue to need a state policy that attracts investment and skilled workers and does not create a climate of fear.
The "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) will be extended to numerous European countries from April 2025. The application is possible from 5 March 2025.
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 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.
In Saxony and Thuringia, constructive political majorities must now be found that are committed to a good location policy.
The state elections in Saxony and Thuringia are also a crossroads for the mechanical engineering industry. LV Ost Chairman Alexander Jakschik and VDMA President Karl Haeusgen warn against compartmentalization.
Mechanical engineering is indispensable for a European circular economy. The Circular Economy Act is an important building block, but it must not end in the minutiae of regulation.
Since 1 July 2024 work assignments in the Czech Republic must be reported via an online reporting platform. The procedure is complex and many rules are still unclear.
The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) provides information on the possibility for companies to provide evidence of their efforts to obtain data on CBAM goods and the use of its discretionary powers in the assessment of CBAM reports
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.
After a year of work, the commission of experts appointed by the Federal Ministry of Finance has presented its report on possible reform approaches in the area of income tax.
After a year of work, the commission of experts appointed by the Federal Ministry of Finance has presented its report on possible reform approaches in the area of corporate taxes.
The EU's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal addresses the right issues from the perspective of the mechanical engineering industry. Implementation must now be a priority, involving the relevant stakeholders.
As part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Net-Zero Industry Act is now in force aiming at boosting green manufacturing in Europe. Which technologies will be favoured? And how is resilience secured?
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has published new political guidelines. What are the priorities for the next five years? An overview.
IG Metall's wage demands - in particular a 7 percent wage increase - are inappropriate in view of the tense economic situation.
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.
The Energy Services Act is intended to make companies more efficient in their use of energy. To achieve this, companies now need planning certainty quickly in order to implement the numerous regulations!
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.
On 19 June the EU Commission held a webinar for companies who are currently obliged to report emissions related to imports under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
The EU-Commission has announced that it has launched dispute settlement proceedings against Algeria in order to take action against restrictions on exports and investments from the EU. VDMA supports this.
Many companies do not have the capacity to recruit skilled workers from third countries. Having temporary work as a partner would be a real door opener, especially for smaller companies.
The new Ecodesign Regulation aims to regulate products sustainably throughout their entire life cycle - the mechanical and plant engineering sector will be directly affected by this.
More than 27.000 patents have been registered in a total of 17 Member States after one year. The VDMA is calling on the other EU Member States to also join the unitary patent system.
Europe now needs a centrist coalition and the competitiveness of European industry must be at the top of its agenda. The increase in votes for far-right parties in Europe is a cause for concern.
Federal Economics Minister Habeck wants to suspend the German Supply Chain Act for two years. It would be a first sign that the concerns and alarm signals of the business community are finally being heard.
The reduction of tax bureaucracy must finally make progress. The Annual Tax Act 2024 offers a great opportunity to create effective incentives for investment.
Europe's freedom is also secured at the ballot box. That is why every single vote counts in the European elections. Populist and radical slogans endanger our security and prosperity.
Industry needs more streamlined EU free trade agreements that are not only agreed but also come into force. Comprehensive agreements can usually not be realised quickly enough.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) has been adopted by the EU member states in a final stage. The European institutions have thus agreed on a new regulation in the spirit of sustainable product policy.
Europe must not lose its competitive edge. To achieve this, the European single market must be further developed and companies must be given more freedom again.
Nine EU Member States have signed a declaration on the introduction of a common electronic form for reporting work assignments in Europe. VDMA welcomes this initiative.
The CO2 border adjustment mechanism CBAM is flawed. Companies cannot implement the reporting obligations because the required data is not provided.
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.
The proposed regulation of voluntary environmental claims in Business-to-Consumer activities awaits vote in European Parliament.
Manufacturing companies are also striving to find sustainable solutions and reduce their environmental impact. One central approach is climate-neutral production.
The Future Industry Dialogue of the state of NRW is committed to a strong industrial location. The meeting on December 20, 2023 was all about innovation and promoting innovation.
First the Corona pandemic, then the Russian invasion of Ukraine: these crises and their effects are tormenting Germany as a business location. But it is important to look to the future and ask how Germany can prepare itself for the future.
A new short study by the IMPULS Foundation looks at the measurability of competitiveness. One of the findings: Despite its current good positioning, there are signs that Germany is falling behind in international comparisons.
Karl Haeusgen continues to see many advantages in Germany and Europe as a business location. But the flood of regulations from politics and the growing support for the AfD are causing the VDMA president great concern.
With the strategy paper "Robotics and Automation 2028", the VDMA supports the innovation goals from the Future Council of the German Chancellor. It shows the key role of robotics and automation for the transformation of Germany as a business location.
The strategic anchoring of sustainability in the company is gaining in importance: Increasing transparency obligations with regard to sustainability will in future also affect medium-sized companies to some extent.
Climate protection contracts are intended to initiate climate-friendly production processes in energy-intensive industries and, if necessary, compensate for additional costs.
The VDMA's capital city office is breaking new ground: Intensive discussions with stakeholders are on the program until the next General Assembly in order to drive forward the climate-neutral and digital transformation of the economy.