17.06.2026 - "Europe is facing significant economic pressure. Weak growth, increasing geopolitical tensions, and the Middle East conflict are additional burdens on companies. It is therefore all the more important that the European Council now sets the right course for greater competitiveness.

The upcoming multiannual financial framework must be consistently focused on growth, innovation, and investment. The European Competitiveness Fund and the new research framework programme are key instruments for this. We will only catch up in future technologies if research results are quickly transferred into marketable products, business models, and industrial applications. Long-term growth is generated by innovation and entrepreneurial dynamism, not by permanent subsidies and protectionism.

At the same time, Europe must diversify its economic relations through trade agreements to reduce strategic dependencies. Toward China, a clear line against unfair trading practices such as dumping and export restrictions on critical raw materials that harm European companies is needed. The EU should advocate for fair competition conditions, better market access worldwide, and more planning security for European companies.

It is also crucial to visibly improve location conditions in Germany and Europe. Competitive energy prices, a completed internal market, and significantly less bureaucracy are essential prerequisites to secure value creation, investments, and industrial renewal in Europe. The business community now expects tangible progress, not further announcements."