Germany's Industry in Crisis: Union Calls for Action

Germany's industrial heartland faces a profound crisis, according to IG Metall, the nation's largest trade union. Union leader Christiane Benner highlighted threats including U.S. tariffs, China's rapid technological progress, and elevated energy costs stemming from the war in Ukraine, declaring the country's export model to be in danger.

Benner urged for strategic European investment in crucial areas like digitalization and advanced technologies, such as battery production. She also welcomed a more flexible approach to the 2035 combustion engine phase-out, which she believes will provide essential time for key industries to develop sustainable solutions and secure employment.

Furthermore, the union leader criticized a lack of strategic planning within many companies, stating that roughly half lack a clear future vision. Benner called for decisive management and warned against unfair competition from China, advocating for local-content rules similar to those in the United States.