"The Chancellor's reform signals are pointing in the right direction, but actions must now follow," stated DIHK President Peter Adrian concerning the forthcoming federal-level decisions. The federal government, Bundestag, and Bundesrat are now obliged to substantiate and implement the announced measures. Regarding the latest governmental decisions, the DIHK sees "despite some bright spots, predominantly shadows."

Decisive for the competitiveness of Germany as a location are primarily three areas: labour costs, bureaucracy reduction, and energy prices. Particularly in terms of energy, it is not just about short-term relief – such as the temporary reduction in the energy tax on fuels – but above all about reliable, long-term market-based framework conditions.

"Above all, what is needed in the energy sector are reliable, long-term market-driven signals with a forward-looking perspective."

Adrian urged the federal government to maintain a united course. "Instead of stagnation, production relocation, and job losses, we need companies that can once again create economic success stories." Hesitation and disunity before difficult decisions send the "completely wrong signal" – to companies, employees, and Germany as a whole.

This urgency had already been pinpointed by DIHK Chief Executive Officer Helena Melnikov with a view to the general debate on the 2027 federal budget: Germany needs "a capable and united federal government," unity and determination are crucial. "Therefore, the federal government must now set all the levers towards growth and consistently implement the initiated reform course. Less debt, cheaper energy, less bureaucracy, faster procedures, more entrepreneurial freedom," Melnikov stated.

"Anyone who postpones reforms endangers prosperity, competitiveness, and trust in our democratic institutions."