08.05.2025 - „Since Robert Schuman’s proposal 75 years ago to establish the European Coal and Steel Community, the EU has come a long way: a single economic area for nearly 450 million citizens and 32 million companies, achieving a GDP of €17.1 trillion. This experience demonstrates: united, we can tackle the global challenges of our times. A strong and competitive economic base has always been and remains essential for this purpose. In times of increasing global trade barriers, the EU must now advance faster and more consistently: enhancing collaboration, removing obstacles, strengthening competitiveness. Decisive measures are especially required on the following five topics:

• Reducing bureaucracy and strengthening the single market: EU-wide regulations must be simplified, and procedures accelerated to provide companies the freedom to innovate and grow. The functioning of the single market must be improved and barriers removed.
• Innovation: Europe must improve its position globally in key technologies like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and climate-neutral production methods. This is only possible through robust conditions for research and production.
• Securing skilled labour: Education systems, training, and targeted immigration must be strengthened to meet businesses’ needs. Europe must also become more attractive to foreign skilled workers overall.
• Investments and capital markets: A stronger capital market and increased private as well as public investments are critical to finance strategic projects in Europe.
• International trade policy: EU trade agreements lower costs and create stable frameworks for trading with third countries. EU accords with Mercosur or India offer businesses new opportunities.

A strong Europe is the foundation of Germany’s competitiveness. The new German Federal Government must now decisively push forward in Brussels to overcome divisions and jointly pave the way for growth.”