Industrial summit in Hamburg: Fight against de -industrialization begins!

Industrial summit in Hamburg: Fight against de -industrialization begins!

Hamburg, Deutschland - Northern Germany looks at the upcoming industrial summit with mixed feelings, to which Chancellor Olaf Scholz invited on Tuesday afternoon. While the preparations for discussions are underway on support and solutions, Andreas Pfaffenberg, the CEO of the Hamburg Industry Association, reports to their say and warns of a real danger of de -industrialization. "There is nothing to gloss over. Dein industrialization is a real risk, even in Hamburg," explains Pfaffenberg. The member companies are under pressure through exploding energy costs, overwhelming bureaucracy and slow approval processes. The industrial association is skeptical about the chances of success of the summit, although the umbrella organization of the Federal Association of Industry (BDI) will take part.

The pressure to act on the northern German economy is enormous. Especially in the areas of wholesale, industry and transport, there is no longer a mood as in 25 years. The Lower Saxony employers' association of Lower Saxony metal criticizes the invitation policy of the Chancellor: Representatives of the metal and electrical industry were not invited, which considers general managing director Volker Schmidt to be politically motivated. "The location of Germany is not competitive due to high taxes, expensive energy and bureaucracy," said Schmidt. He demands a "big throw" of solutions, not better unofficial talk.

energy prices: a central topic

The discussion about energy prices dominates the summit. Prime Minister Stephan Weil emphasizes the need to relieve the economy, for example by reducing the network charges. His colleague, the Hamburg Senator for the Economic Affairs Melanie Leonhard, supports the initiative of the Chancellor and emphasizes how important industry is in transformation. Economists Martin Gornig sees the high energy prices as part of a major problem. "We are experiencing a technological stalemate: fossil technologies have no future, and climate -friendly investments are risky," warns Gornig. To prevent de -industrialization, he demands less bureaucracy and targeted financial incentives. But he too has moderate expectations at the summit.