Deindustrialization threatens Germany as an industrial location

Deindustrialization threatens Germany as an industrial location

The employers' association Gesamtmetall and the trade union IG Metall have jointly sounded the alarm and called on the federal government to strengthen Germany as an industrial location. They warned that many companies, both domestic and foreign, are currently avoiding Germany when making investment decisions, which is seen as a threatening sign of possible deindustrialization. In their communication they emphasized the need to take strong measures to protect and promote the industrial location.

In addition to competitive energy costs and more attractive investment conditions, the demands of the employers' association and the union also include a rapid expansion of the infrastructure, especially in rural areas, as well as faster planning and approval procedures. A long-term raw materials strategy and an increased focus on education are also seen as urgently needed given the shortage of skilled workers.

The message emphasized that Germany's industrial location was in serious danger. Compared to other countries, which attract more investments due to their more competitive framework conditions, Germany is threatened with devastating deindustrialization, further social division and an increasing radicalization of political debates and protests. It is clear that decisive political countermeasures are essential in order to avert these negative developments.