- June 11, 2025

Pascal Michaux, Managing Partner of the Group highlighted how important the elections were for the European Union. Major questions such as the reboost of the German industry, the competitiveness of the EU economy, what energy strategy, which Germano-French partnership have to be urgently addressed. The relations with China and Russia are also relevant for the outcome of the elections.

Julia Corinna Schultz from Seeheimer Kreis (liberal wing of the SPD) highlighted that migration and taxes were two important topics the new government will have to address. It is time to relaunch ‘the made in Germany’ and review how corporate tax systems with respects to what is done in the US, China and the Emirates, a growing competitive area. Work in insfrastructure is also needed including in railways while energy had to be affordable to companies and be green to secure independence from Russian gas. We are not in an ideal scenario and this will be a priority of the next government. A coalition with the CDU/CSU is the way forward to ensure stability.

Fabian Wedenburg, chairman of the SMEs organisation considered that the new coalition had to focus on competitiveness: taxes, bureaucracy, labour and costs and energy. A back to business strategy is now the priority.

Marit Von Graeve, Head of Cabinet of Mrs (Former Vice-President of UBA and lead MP on chemicals) emphasised the need to reduce bureaucracy in Germany. A reduction of bureaucracy does not mean a loss of protection, she noted. For instance, chemicals are being addressed by four federal authorities and two Ministries. Marit concluded that some PFAS, for instance, are needed especially in industrial applications while funding to search for alternatives should be promoted. A proper balance needs to be found out. This being, the process must be respected as much as the authority of UBA and ECHA. The fact that PFOA and PFOS disappear is positive.

As regards pesticides, Mrs Von Graeve concluded that an impact assessment was needed when banning substances as we are starting to suffer from the lack of solutions.

Michael Hack and Ingemar Buehler, both Partners Germany contributed actively to the discussion promoting the Green Industrial Deal and a return to the fundamentals as the EU cannot progress without a strong German economy and industry. The trade war that is starting between the US & China and the Ukraine war mean that the EU must strengthen its economic policy and modernise legislation taking into account a reduction of red tape. A strong coalition SPD-CDU/CSU like under most of Merckel’s term is the only solution to guarantee the needed stability to beef up the EU economy-industry and political leadership.