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

Reaktion von Volker Treier

A Trade Policy Truce Alone Is Not Enough

Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), on the US Midterm Elections, 3rd November

Date of publication 02.11.2026

DIHK calls for a geo-economic EU neighbourhood policy

United Kingdom, Switzerland and other partners should become more closely aligned with the Single Market

Date of publication 02.11.2026
TdW_Symbolbild

Avoid Excessive Gold-Plating of EU Rules: Implementation Without Additional Bureaucracy

The practice of intensifying EU requirements during their implementation into national law with additional demands increases bureaucracy for businesses and weakens their competitive position against companies in other member states. This issue has also been recognised by the European Commission.

Deepening the Economic Partnership Between the EU and Canada

The DIHK calls for closer cooperation in trade, raw materials, and economic security — Better utilisation of CETA's potential

Date of publication 29.10.2026

EU Dual-Use Regulation: Preserving Proven Practices and Enhancing Practicality

The European Commission is reviewing whether European export rules for goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes still match geopolitical and technological developments. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates for clear, risk-based controls that provide...

Date of publication 15.10.2026
DIHK-Bereichsleiter Rainer Kambeck mit Mikrofon

Tax Revenue Growth Evaluation

The latest tax forecast promises higher state revenues than anticipated in the spring. Rainer Kambeck, Head of the Economic and Financial Policy Department at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), emphasized in a WDR radio interview the importance of setting the right priorities in...

Chips Act 2.0: Strengthening Resilience, Involving Businesses

Europe aims to reduce its dependence on a few semiconductor hubs. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) sees opportunities in the proposed Chips Act 2.0 but emphasises practical regulations, improved site conditions, and clear limits to interventions during crises.

Date of publication 10.09.2026

EU Simplification Report: Good intentions fail to impact businesses

DIHK calls on the European Commission for measurable results and fewer new burdens

Date of publication 19.10.2026
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

 

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.