Germany Rubber Industry Association presents economic policy demands for Germany and EU

Frankfurt am Main, Germany – The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) presented its economic policy demands for the 2025 federal election in Frankfurt am Main. The program entitled “INDUSTRY MATTERS – IT’S ALL ABOUT INDUSTRY” focuses on overcoming the location crisis. To this end, the wdk is calling for a consistent reduction in bureaucracy, globally competitive energy costs and an additional strengthening of the production location with a package of measures.
“The process of deindustrialization in Germany has already begun. In order to restore the international competitiveness of large and medium-sized production sites, the next federal government must vigorously address the long-known causes,” said association president Michael Klein. This applies in particular to the reduction of bureaucracy in Germany and the European Union. “The economy is now literally suffocated by reporting requirements. Some companies are forced to create full-time positions solely to fulfill them. This does not add value, but rather reduces value.” A significant reduction in documentation and proof requirements is therefore essential.
In addition, the next federal government is required to ensure internationally competitive energy costs. This requires a further reduction in electricity costs, a reliable production electricity and gas price and a critical review of the instrument of national CO2 pricing. “Affordable energy prices for the entire industry are not an end in themselves, because the transformation towards climate neutrality can only succeed if Germany retains its domestic industry. The best climate protection is and remains industrial production in this country.”
In addition to reducing bureaucracy and competitive energy costs, other measures are necessary, Klein continued. Examples he cited include a reduction in corporate taxes, self-restraint in the implementation of EU law and strengthening market monitoring. “There are many adjustments that can be made to help Germany make a comeback as an industrial location. The next federal government will have to turn all of them at the same time.”