BERLIN - According to representatives of German industry, Germany is in a critical period that could significantly impact the future of Europe's largest economy. Tanja Gönner, CEO of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), warned that the country is undergoing extensive deindustrialization and is losing approximately 15,000 jobs per month in the industrial sector. She stated that this trend poses a serious threat to Germany's long-term competitiveness.
Gönner described the current situation as "critical" and urged German companies and political representatives to accelerate the adoption of innovation. According to her, the world is on the cusp of a new industrial revolution, driven primarily by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and modern manufacturing technologies. She believes that countries that can adapt most quickly to these new conditions will determine the pace of the global economy in the coming decades.
In addition to technological changes, German industry is also facing increasing geopolitical and trade pressures. According to the CEO of BDI, the trade policy of US President Donald Trump plays a significant role, creating new obstacles to international trade and increasing uncertainty for export-oriented companies. At the same time, competition from China is intensifying, as Chinese industrial companies rapidly expand production in high-value areas, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
"Germany has lost its competitiveness," said Tanja Gönner, adding that without fundamental changes, further shifts in production to foreign countries could occur. According to her, companies are increasingly investing outside of Germany, where they find more favorable conditions in terms of lower energy costs, simpler regulations, or more attractive investment incentives.
Economists have long warned that German industry is facing a combination of several unfavorable factors. These include high energy prices, increasing administrative burdens, a shortage of skilled workers, and slowing global demand. These circumstances directly impact industrial production, employment, and companies' willingness to make new investments.
The developments in Germany are being closely monitored by other member states of the European Union. The German economy is a key engine of the European economy and an important trading partner for most EU countries. Therefore, any long-term weakening of German industry could have an impact not only on the domestic labor market but also on economic growth throughout the entire European region. According to experts, the challenges associated with technological transformation, globalization, and increasing international competition will require rapid and coordinated action from both industry and political leaders.