vbw calls for a change of course: This is how Bavaria wants to save the economy!

vbw calls for a change of course: This is how Bavaria wants to save the economy!

The met on May 22, 2025 vbw – Association of the Bavarian Economy e. v. in Berlin with high-ranking representatives from federal politics. Around 40 representatives from the vbw member associations took part in the discussions and a trip on the Spree. The focus of the discussion is on key challenges that are currently placing a heavy burden on the Bavarian economy.

Bertram Brossardt, Managing Director of vbw, identified the economic and structural crisis, the US customs policy and the unresolved conflict in Ukraine as the biggest problems. Brossardt called for a change of course in economic policy in order to strengthen Europe's competitiveness. In this context, he was optimistic about the government statement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which he noted that the coalition would quickly take necessary measures.

Central demands of the vbw

The vbw outlined important points in the coalition agreement that they believe are crucial for economic stability. This includes:

• Maßnahmen zur Sicherung des Wirtschaftsstandorts
• Wachstumsimpulse
• Degressive Sonderabschreibung für Ausrüstungsinvestitionen
• Absenkung der Stromsteuer und der Netzentgelte
• Einführung eines Brückenstrompreises
• Bürokratieabbau mit dem Ziel, die Bürokratiekosten bis 2025 um 25 Prozent zu reduzieren

In addition, Brossardt emphasized the need to make working hours more flexible, in particular through a maximum weekly working time. The vbw also sees a need for reform in the social security systems and is demanding quick results from the relevant reform commissions.

Political interlocutors and transatlantic relations

The vbw's discussion partners in Berlin included, among others, Dr. Reinhard Brandl, Hansjörg Durz and Dr. Andreas Lenz (all CSU) and Dr. Carolin Wagner and Sebastian Roloff (SPD) and representatives of Alliance 90/The Greens. Parallel to the talks in Berlin, transatlantic cooperation is another important topic that concerns the Bavarian economy.

The situation is further complicated by the upcoming US elections and possible negative economic impacts, particularly if Donald Trump is re-elected. Experts warn that his erratic governance could cause uncertainty for markets. Against this background, close and trusting cooperation with the USA is of central importance for the Bavarian economy in order to ensure transatlantic economic security, as in one vbw position paper is presented.

The core requirements for successful transatlantic cooperation also include:

• Sicherstellung des wirtschaftlichen Gleichgewichts und Stärkung des Freihandels
• Beseitigung von Handelsstreitigkeiten und Reform der WTO
• Identifizierung von Wegen zur Zusammenarbeit im Klimaschutz und bei der Energiewende
• Verbesserung und Erweiterung von Technologiepartnerschaften

The vbw sees it as essential that the Bavarian economy does not serve as a bargaining chip in the conflict between China and the USA and calls for the institutionalization of economic integration between the USA and the EU. Ultimately, vbw aims to create favorable conditions for investments and cooperation.