On 13 March 2026, Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche, BDI President Peter Leibinger and IG Metall Deputy Chairman Jürgen Kerner presented a joint industrial policy paper. The document was developed and adopted during the high-level meeting of the Alliance for the Future of Industry (Bündnis Zukunft der Industrie, BZdI), a coalition of 19 partners from industry and employer associations, the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), trade unions and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). The paper describes the current challenges facing German industry and identifies key measures to strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location.
Federal Minister Katherina Reiche emphasised the urgency of the initiative: "Germany is at an industrial turning point. Our industry is the foundation of our prosperity and the backbone of our value creation – yet it is under growing pressure. That is precisely why we now need clarity, priorities and a close alliance between government, businesses and trade unions to ensure that Germany remains a leading industrial location in the future."
BDI President Peter Leibinger highlighted the importance of the right framework conditions: "In view of the current geopolitical challenges, the Alliance for the Future of Industry is sending a strong signal: a high-performing industry is indispensable for the prosperity and security of Germany and Europe. Less bureaucracy, an integrated single market, competitive energy prices and modern infrastructure are key prerequisites for enabling investment and industrial strength. Only when these conditions are met can we sustainably strengthen Europe's competitiveness and continue to develop reliable international partnerships."
IG Metall Deputy Chairman Jürgen Kerner pointed to the situation of employees: "There is broad consensus that a strong industry is crucial for prosperity, good jobs and social cohesion in our country. There is also a shared understanding of the problems, the objectives and the necessary measures that must now be taken to preserve industrial jobs, create new high-quality employment and get the economy moving again. That is good news for the many employees who are deeply concerned about their jobs and their future. Now it is time to act quickly – together, pragmatically and without ideological blinkers. Too many jobs have already been lost. We need visible results fast. We cannot ask employees to endure yet another period of uncertainty."
Five Key Areas for Action
The adopted paper defines five key areas for action, each outlining the most important challenges and measures:
- Improving framework conditions and overcoming structural growth weakness
- Securing skilled labour and strengthening qualification
- Promoting innovation and advancing investment in key technologies
- Strengthening resilience and improving raw material supply and economic security
- Strengthening Europe and diversifying foreign trade relations
The objective of the policy paper is to safeguard Germany's industrial foundation and further expand the industrial strength of the country as a business location.
The full document is available for download on the website of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy: https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/I/industriepolitisches-grundsatzpapier.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
