Press Statement National Industrial Strategy 2030

Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall:

“A fresh start in industrial policy is long overdue—but a mere revival isn’t enough: digitalization, social issues, and environmental concerns must be brought together; therein lies the unique opportunity for our industrial base. Deregulation won’t work, nor will a scattergun approach to funding. The government must take responsibility; the market alone will not get the job done. Whether it’s digital infrastructure or charging infrastructure for electric mobility: if we are to prevent regions from being left behind and ensure equal access for all citizens, government regulation is essential.”

Wolfgang Lemb, Executive Board Member of IG Metall:

“The federal government should not allow itself to be swayed by the barrage of criticism from economic liberals. The idea of an industrial strategy and expanding the share of industry to 25 percent is correct and important. We need investments in sustainable infrastructure and in the skills of the workforce. In the European context, the federal government must engage more actively than before in the debate on a common European industrial strategy. The approaches put forward by the Commission so far are insufficient. It is important to expand national leeway in industrial policy within competition and public procurement law, to identify key European industries, and to support them with industrial and structural policy instruments such as structural funds or a European Investment Bank.”