Economic and Fiscal Policy

Framework conditions for a strong location

A reliable policy framework is essential for a strong economy. The DIHK identifies where reforms in economic and fiscal policy are needed – from competitive taxation and reduced bureaucracy to improved investment conditions and sound public finances. Drawing on insights from the business community, the DIHK provides recommendations to support decisions that foster growth, innovation and employment.

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Cluster 4
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Position Paper Economic and Fiscal Policy

Energy and Sustainability

Sustainable economy – protecting the climate, securing the future: Cluster 4 of the Economic Policy Positions represents a strong combination of climate protection, economic competitiveness, and sustainable innovation.

Date of publication 13.11.2024
Cluster 1
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Position Paper Economic and Fiscal Policy

SMEs and Corporate Financing

What economic policy framework conditions do SMEs and corporate financing require? Cluster 1 of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry's economic policy positions outlines key guidelines for investment-, growth-, and transformation-friendly conditions.

Date of publication 13.11.2024
Cluster 2
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Position Paper Economic and Fiscal Policy

Reduction of Bureaucracy and Acceleration of Procedures

Cluster 2 of Economic Policy Positions champions a lean, efficient legal framework and noticeably faster procedures: Allowing companies to avoid bureaucratic obstacles and implement their projects swiftly.

Date of publication 13.11.2024
Cluster 3
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Position Paper Economic and Fiscal Policy

Taxes and Public Finances

How can competitive taxes and sound public finances be successfully combined? Cluster 3 of the Economic Policy Positions of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) illustrates the tax and fiscal framework conditions needed to promote investment and secure sustainable growth.

Date of publication 13.11.2024
AS Gesundheitswirtschaft
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Economic and Fiscal Policy

Committee for the Healthcare Industry

The DIHK Committee for the Healthcare Industry addresses key cross-sector issues in the field.

Position Statement Economic and Fiscal Policy

DIHK on Reform of the SÜG: Avoid bureaucracy, make procedures practical

The DIHK welcomes the objectives of the reform to expedite security clearances. However, it also warns against new reporting obligations, which could particularly burden small and medium-sized enterprises.

Date of publication 25.06.2025
Press Release Economic and Fiscal Policy

DIHK Analysis: Crisis also impacts service providers

Industry-specific figures from the latest economic survey highlight: rigid working hours, documentation obligations and high labor costs especially endanger small businesses.

Date of publication 05.06.2026
Tastatur mit E-Commerce-Symbolen
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Impulse Papers Economic and Fiscal Policy

For a fair E-Commerce

The German retail sector – both stationary and online – relies on good and fair competition conditions. The increasing presence of e-commerce direct sales models from non-EU countries poses a growing challenge. Which ten measures would contribute to more fairness in e-commerce has been...

Press Release Economic and Fiscal Policy

DIHK Economic Survey: Businesses Still Awaiting Signals of Upswing

DIHK Chief Executive Officer Helena Melnikov: "Politics must act swiftly: Businesses are still waiting for signals of an upswing"

Date of publication 27.05.2025
Porträtfoto Dr. Jupp Zenzen
© DIHK / Marko Priske
Reaction Economic and Fiscal Policy

No Turning Point In Sight

DIHK Economic Expert Jupp Zenzen on Current Production Figures

Date of publication 06.02.2026
Peter Adrian und Helena Melnikov stehen mit verschränkten Armen nebeneinander
© DIHK / Thilo Schoch
Resolution Economic and Fiscal Policy

#CreatingBetterTogether – now!

The economy in Germany stands at a turning point: High energy and raw material costs, lengthy approval processes, growing bureaucracy, and increasing global challenges jeopardise investments, innovations, and the appeal of Germany as a business location. At its plenary assembly in November...

Date of publication 16.11.2023
Reaktion von Volker Treier
© DIHK / Werner Schuering
Reaction Economic and Fiscal Policy

Another Record Amid Gloomy Prospects

The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) has published insolvency data for the fourth quarter of 2025. DIHK chief analyst Volker Treier commented:

Date of publication 02.06.2026
Steuerformular und Taschenrechner liegen auf einer Laptop-Tastatur, eine Hand schreibt, eine tippt
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In Focus Economic and Fiscal Policy

Germany Ranks First Internationally for Corporate Tax Burden

In Germany, tax conditions remain a clear disadvantage for businesses. Corporate profits are currently taxed at approximately 30%. Achieving an internationally competitive level – the EU average is around 21.1% – requires measures such as abolishing the solidarity surcharge and reforming exit...

Helena Melnikov_Reaktion
© DIHK / Trang Vu
Reaction Economic and Fiscal Policy

DIHK Chief Executive Officer Helena Melnikov on the joint assessment by research institutes

Federal government must stay on its course for relief measures

Date of publication 25.09.2025
Helena Melnikov_Reaktion
© DIHK / Trang Vu
Reaction Economic and Fiscal Policy

Still a long way to true economic recovery

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) Director-General Helena Melnikov on the preliminary GDP figures for 2025: A year of reforms is necessary

Date of publication 15.01.2026