Europe has become significantly less attractive as a location for industrial companies. In a survey by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, almost two thirds of companies in this sector stated that they had noticed a deterioration in the past five years. Only five percent see an improvement. “This trend must be stopped immediately,” said Managing Director Martin Wansleben of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) on Wednesday in Berlin. Across all sectors, 56 percent of companies report a deterioration in location conditions. The survey is based on responses from 3,000 companies nationwide. After the European elections in early summer, the next EU Commission must take measures to strengthen the location.
Wansleben called for free trade agreements and less bureaucracy. In the latter case, 95 percent of companies see an urgent need for action. Further priorities mentioned are a secure energy supply and protection against cyber attacks. Wansleben said the economic situation is actually even worse than the mood. The next EU Commission must therefore provide an answer to the “sheer need” of companies. It shouldn’t just be lip service. A survey by the Ifo Institute on behalf of the Family Business Foundation came to similar results. Accordingly, 89 percent of the more than 1,000 family businesses surveyed said that the burden of bureaucracy had increased. “Europe’s economic strength is in danger: low growth rates, high national debt and excessive bureaucracy, which comes primarily from Brussels, are paralyzing the European economy. That is why it is important to set a new course and work on strengthening EU policy “To ensure competitiveness,” demanded Rainer Kirchdörfer, board member of the Family Business Foundation.
The companies surveyed were pessimistic about their prospects in Europe. Around half expect a negative business environment. According to the DIHK survey, there are still strong advantages from the European Union. Factors mentioned above all are political stability (82 percent), a common and stable currency (76), uniform EU norms and standards (68), access to European markets (66), fewer distortions of competition (64) and the recruitment of skilled workers other EU member states (61).