EU-Flaggen vor dem EU-Parlamentsgebäude
Translated from German with AI assistance

EU and European Economic Policy: The Voice of German Business in Brussels

The European Single Market offers significant opportunities for German businesses: 450 million consumers, free movement of goods and services, and common standards. At the same time, EU regulations pose challenges for many companies, particularly SMEs.

The DIHK advocates in Brussels for European economic policy that is practical, competitive, and business-friendly. The goal is to strengthen the advantages of the Single Market while limiting unnecessary bureaucracy.

How the DIHK brings business interests to Brussels:

European decisions directly impact the daily operations of German companies – often sooner and more profoundly than initially apparent. New EU directives shape investment decisions, business models, and competitive conditions across nearly all industries.

This is why the DIHK has maintained its own office in Brussels for more than 60 years. Located close to the European Parliament, it brings the perspectives of German businesses into European decision-making processes early on – even before EU directives are transposed into national law.

The focus is especially on the practicality of new regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Guide and Contact

A particular strength of the DIHK lies in its close connection to local businesses:
Through the 79 Chambers of Commerce and Industry, it can quickly and comprehensively capture the assessments and expertise of member companies, differentiated by company size, industry, and international orientation.

No other German business organisation is as deeply rooted in the regions or can bring such practical knowledge in comparable breadth and depth into European work in Brussels. Thus, the DIHK acts as a bridge between businesses and EU politics.

Well-Connected at the European Level

The DIHK's work in Brussels is closely integrated into European networks. The team is actively involved in the international chamber organisation Eurochambres, which organises the European Parliament of Enterprises every two years.

Through the Board Europe, the DIHK systematically incorporates entrepreneurial perspectives into European economic policy and strengthens the position of the commercial economy at the EU level.

What the DIHK Does for Businesses in Brussels

In the interest of the German economy, the Brussels team undertakes the following tasks, among others:

  • Dialogue with EU institutions, including the European Parliament, European Council, European Commission, EESC, and Committee of the Regions
  • Collaboration with national and European business organisations, particularly European chamber structures
  • Monitoring European policy developments, legislative initiatives, and political debates
  • Representation of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and delegates and representatives of German businesses in 92 countries
  • Conducting EU seminars on current economic policy issues

Updates on European Economic Policy

Peter Adrian_Reaktion

Competitiveness and future investment must take priority

DIHK President Peter Adrian on the EU summit

Date of publication 14.10.2026

DIHK calls for practical improvements to EU Packaging Regulation

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been in effect since 12 August 2026. Since then, many companies have reported issues and uncertainties in its implementation. DIHK is therefore proposing concrete measures for a practical reform of the EU Packaging Regulation.

Date of publication 13.10.2026
Europa Pakete

Five measures for a practical reform of the EU Packaging Regulation

Uniform rules for packaging can strengthen circular economy and sustainability. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) believes that clear responsibilities, less bureaucracy, and reliable transition periods are needed for companies to implement the regulations.

Reaktion von Volker Treier

Trade Agenda with Africa Requires New Political Momentum

On the tenth anniversary of the EU trade agreement with South Africa and other countries in Southern Africa, DIHK Head of Foreign Trade Volker Treier said

Date of publication 09.10.2026
Reaktion von Volker Treier

Agreement between China and the EU in Trade Matters is of Central Importance for the German Economy

On the occasion of discussions between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, focusing on dismantling unfair trade conditions, DIHK’s Head of Foreign Trade, Volker Treier, stated:

Date of publication 07.10.2026
Container mit EU-Fahne am Kran vor blauem Himmel

Between Free Trade and Industrial Protection: Striking a Balance in Europe

The "Industrial Accelerator Act" aims to strengthen the EU's industry and reduce dependencies. However, from the economy's perspective, the planned measures entail significant risks. These include interference with entrepreneurial freedom, increased costs, and unforeseeable side effects.

Reaktion von Volker Treier

"Europe needs improved framework conditions"

DIHK Foreign Trade Chief Volker Treier on the occasion of the EU Competitiveness Council on 24 September, focusing on strengthening European industry and reducing critical dependencies

Date of publication 23.09.2026
Reaktion von Volker Treier

Trump-Xi Meeting: Europe must not remain a mere spectator

Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, comments on the meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi in the USA

Date of publication 22.09.2026
Reaktion von Volker Treier

EU-Philippines Agreement: Achieving the Breakthrough Now

DIHK Head of Foreign Trade Volker Treier on the upcoming talks about an EU trade agreement with the Philippines

Date of publication 21.09.2026

DIHK calls for a practical implementation of the Packaging Regulation

The planned EU regulations for packaging registers and reporting obligations aim to create standardized data formats across Europe. However, from the perspective of German industry, the draft requires significantly less reporting depth, genuine simplifications for smaller companies, and a...

Date of publication 10.09.2026

 

This English version is provided for convenience only.
It has been translated with the assistance of AI.
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the translation.