Economy in distress: Brandenburg's companies urgently demand reforms!

Economy in distress: Brandenburg's companies urgently demand reforms!

The economic situation in Brandenburg remains tense. Many companies are fighting increased US tariffs and high energy prices, which are affecting the competitiveness of domestic industries. This became clear again at the second Brandenburg Industrial Conference, which took place under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke. Representatives of around 20 industrial companies, trade unions, chambers and associations took part in the conference. Woidke called for decisive measures to relieve companies and put the industry back on a growth path. “We need relief and growth impulses,” said Woidke, who described these measures as critical for the stability of the industry. rbb24 reports.

The current economic difficulties are not solely due to the international framework conditions. The structural challenges in the industry, such as climate-friendly transformation and digitalization, also pose major challenges for companies. Ralf Schairer, head of the PCK refinery, which supplies the northeast and Berlin with fuel, heating oil and kerosene, said that political decisions from the federal government were necessary to overcome the crisis. He called for specific changes to the pricing of carbon dioxide and appealed to the federal government not to exceed the EU requirements for renewable energies in order not to further endanger competitiveness. The Tagesspiegel highlights that a reliable and affordable energy supply is essential for industry.

Demands and challenges

The conference participants called for, among other things, competitive electricity and gas prices, less bureaucracy and more skilled workers, including from abroad. Economics Minister Daniel Keller pointed out the need for a nationwide “100-day immediate program” to strengthen competitiveness. The program aims to provide relief for the industry and ensure the financial security it needs. Everyone agrees that reducing bureaucracy is very important for companies. Woidke also called for a reduction in electricity prices and an accelerated network expansion for climate-neutral energy supply. On Brandenburg's government website Industry is seen as a driving force for value creation and social security.

The IG BCE reports on dramatic job cuts in around 80 companies in the Northeast region, which had a strong influence on the atmosphere at the conference. The steel industry in particular needs support as concerns about impending bankruptcies and closures grow ever louder. Around 5,000 industrial companies in Brandenburg employ around 100,000 people and are noticeably affected by the current crisis. Companies have reported a decline in sales, orders and employment in recent months, further endangering the location's fundamental stability.

In order to create a future-proof environment for industry, several participants suggested founding an “Alliance for Industry” in Brandenburg. A balanced plan that includes both business and politics could be the basis for sustainable economic development. At the same time, the opposition CDU has signaled its willingness to cooperate, but has insisted on drastic measures to reduce energy costs and hinder bureaucracy. A joint five-point plan was presented to position Brandenburg as the most business-friendly and least bureaucratic location in Germany. Time is running out to meet the challenges and initiate a positive turnaround.