12/11/2025 - “The growth prospects remain weak. The businesses are struggling with high costs for energy, personnel, and taxes, along with bureaucratic hurdles. Uncertain external economic conditions and bottlenecks in critical raw materials are aggravating the situation.

To finally return to a sustainable and robust growth path, we need to implement profound reforms swiftly. The Annual Report of the German Council of Economic Experts provides vital impetus:

• Accelerate investments: We are still approximately ten percent below pre-COVID levels. The special fund offers opportunities to advance infrastructure and climate neutrality, but only if the resources are genuinely additional and investment-oriented. Reallocation and consumption expenditures bring no growth momentum. Equally crucial: The pact to accelerate planning and approval processes must be fully implemented.
• Relieve businesses: Tax burdens are too high compared to international standards. Tax rate reductions planned for 2028 must be brought forward to stimulate investments now. More scope for private investments is key.
• Strengthen the EU internal market: Given global uncertainties, Europe is becoming increasingly central to businesses. An integrated internal market for goods, services, and capital holds immense potential. Trade barriers must be systematically dismantled.

However, the suggestion to increase the burdens on owner-managed and family-run businesses through further tightening inheritance tax is problematic. This would be counterproductive. Businesses must rather be relieved to avoid additional challenges to investments and succession arrangements.

The Federal Government has announced its intention to redefine economic policy. Implementation now matters: We need rapid, impactful impulses for investments and a clear message signalling a reliable economic policy course that strengthens growth and competitiveness.”