13.04.2026 - "The measures decided by the coalition to provide relief in energy costs are appropriate and overdue – as the first proper relief steps. However, they are not sufficient to overcome the current crisis and put the German economy back on a growth trajectory. It is now crucial that the announced emergency measures quickly become law and are promptly supplemented by further consistent reforms to strengthen Germany as a business location.

Specifically, the temporary reduction in energy tax, as demanded by the DIHK for weeks, provides urgently needed relief for companies, commuters and the transport sector, without intervening in the market with price caps. The prerequisite is that this relief works quickly, reliably and without bureaucracy. Additional interventions, such as stricter cartel laws or skimming mechanisms, are not productive as they would create new bureaucracy and risk market distortions.

It is also important to reduce the energy tax on gas. The massive increase in gas prices has a delayed but more severe effect on consumers and businesses. The longer the crisis lasts, the more supply contracts must be concluded at significantly higher prices. This particularly affects the industrial SME sector, which is already under considerable pressure. Rapid and permanent relief is urgently needed here. The same applies to the still high electricity prices. The federal government should finally implement the promised reduction in electricity tax for everyone. It is positive to acknowledge that domestic gas reserves can make a greater contribution to energy security in the future.

For the next steps, it is crucial overall to focus more on the enormous burden on businesses. The announced €1,000 bonus may help to support commuting employees unbureaucratically. However, companies can only provide such benefits if they themselves are noticeably relieved. Here, there are still no concrete and reliable proposals from the federal government. Businesses are still waiting for clear relief signals, such as bringing forward the already decided corporate tax reform. New burdens, on the other hand, would be completely counterproductive.

Given the already high tax burden, there must be no increases in income or VAT. Otherwise, relief on energy costs would be immediately eroded. In this crisis, Germany needs a capable and stable government that implements reforms for growth swiftly and resolutely. This can only be achieved with lower costs for companies, not with new burdens. Debates about tax increases would therefore send the wrong signal. Financial room for manoeuvre can be created through reforms in the heavily increased state and social spending. In the coming weeks and months, we expect much more clarity, courage, and decisive action here.”