12.12.2025 - "The insolvency wave continues rolling; even September reports increasingly higher insolvencies than last year. Since the year's beginning, we've observed double-digit growth rates. Currently, we're facing the highest numbers in 10 years, for 2025 exceeding 23,000 insolvencies is expected – the highest count in a decade.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) especially find themselves at risk. As per DIHK's latest economic survey, 30 percent of firms employing less than 20 people foresee worsening business prospects. SMEs make up 85 percent of companies, their closure could result in severe employment and regional structure implications. IHK's nationwide action week in November witnessed a sharp increase in participant numbers during crisis prevention webinars, surpassing last year's figures (600 companies versus 500 previously).

Reasons are clear: high costs, weak demand, and substantial uncertainty. Unfortunately, no immediate relief is evident – insolvency figures likely remain elevated entering 2026.

Improvement requires decisive economic policy measures. The electricity tax reduction for all businesses must be significant, mere announcements won't suffice. Similarly, social contributions should remain stable and bureaucracy reduction must accelerate – embracing genuine modernization initiatives. Equally critical are reliably lower energy prices alongside middle-class-oriented income tax relief.

Businesses aspire to invest and scale operations but require breathing room to do so. Without urgent relief, the insolvency wave devastating SMEs will persist extensively."