Economic and Financial Policy

Framework conditions for a strong location

Reliable political framework conditions are essential for a strong economy. The DIHK demonstrates where reforms in economic and financial policy are necessary: from competitive taxes and reduced bureaucracy to better investment conditions and stable public finances. Based on insights from business practice, the DIHK provides impulses for decisions that ensure growth, innovation, and employment.

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Geschäftsmann am Laptop gestikuliert, eine Tasse in der Hand
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Business Succession 2025: SMEs at Risk

Business succession is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over the next ten years, up to 250,000 businesses could vanish due to the inability to find suitable successors – including thousands of economically sound companies. According...

Geld- und Kreditausschuss
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Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Money and Credit Committee

The DIHK Money and Credit Committee brings together expertise from banks, businesses, and academia, addressing key topics like banking supervision, corporate finance, and sustainable finance.

AS Gesundheitswirtschaft
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Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Committee for the Healthcare Industry

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

Supermarkt- Handel
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Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Trade Committee

The DIHK Trade Committee addresses key future issues for trade – from digitalisation and competitive conditions to location development and reducing bureaucracy.

Reisebüro - Flugtickets
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Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Tourism Committee

The DIHK Tourism Committee combines entrepreneurial expertise from the tourism industry and addresses key topics such as digitalisation, skilled labour demand, sustainability, and bureaucracy reduction.

Symbolbild zum Thema Steuern und Finanzen
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Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Finance and Taxation Committee

The DIHK Finance and Taxation Committee monitors important developments in taxation and financial policy across Germany and Europe—from competitiveness and Euro stability to reducing bureaucracy.

Interview Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

"Tax rates are a factor of location"

In May 2023, the members of the DIHK Finance and Tax Committee elected Ralf Herbener as their chairman. In our interview, the newly elected chairman provides insight into his views on the German tax system.

Steuerschätzung Oktober 2025
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Tax Revenue Stagnates – Germany Needs Business-Friendly Reforms

Despite slight increases in sales and payroll taxes, the tax revenue fails to create room for new financial opportunities for politics and municipalities. A lack of growth and structural reforms could lead to significant financial gaps—hindering investments and future prospects for businesses.

Balkendiagramme schweben über einem Laptop
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

More Growth Through Increased Investments

Since 2023, the investment intentions of companies in Germany have been negative overall—a clear warning sign. This trend not only reflects a lack of confidence in the location but also highlights an urgent need for more resources, particularly for transformation or infrastructure tasks.

Foto Passgesetz
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Passport photo fees and PointID: Why the economy demands fair rules

The planned increase in ID card fees is putting private providers of passport photos under massive pressure. While municipalities and the Federal Printing Office benefit financially, specialist photography retailers and vending machine operators are falling behind — with consequences for...

Porträit Karin Overlack
© Peter Hübbe
Interview Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

"Wir werden immer gebraucht"

Im Mai 2025 wurde Karin Overlack zur Vorsitzenden des DIHK-Ausschusses für Gesundheitswirtschaft gewählt. In unserem Interview erzählt sie, warum Deutschlands führende Rolle in der Gesundheitswirtschaft in Gefahr ist – und wie wir gegensteuern können.

Mann steht im Foyer
© Marko Priske
Interview Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

"We entrepreneurs must always stay vigilant"

Bernd Behrens was re-elected as chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) Trade Committee in April 2021. We asked him about his practical experiences as an entrepreneur - especially regarding the transformation process of trade, which he believes is continuing to advance.

Nancy Plaßmann
© DIHK / Jens Schicke
Interview Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

"There is too little investment in Germany"

Nancy Plaßmann is Chairwoman of the Berliner Sparkasse. Since May 2023, she has been the voluntary Chair of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) Money and Credit Committee, which she has been a member of for six years. In the interview, she talks about the concerns of her...

Bild Industrie Bach
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

State Aid: Moderation in the Subsidy Race

Given the subsidy practices and favourable energy prices in other global regions, the EU Commission aims to expand the framework for national subsidies to advance decarbonisation and competitiveness in foundational industries. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates for a...

Team umgeben von Pflanzen
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Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

Relieving Companies from Reporting Obligations

As promised, the European Commission is working on streamlining various regulations for sustainability reporting. While many affected parties would prefer a bold removal of reporting obligations, this offers a glimmer of hope. Rules must now be revised or reduced promptly, and ceilings lowered.