Overview

• Eastern German state leaders, joined by economic stakeholders and the federal commissioner for Eastern Germany, are meeting in Berlin to strategize on regional development.
• The discussions are based on a March position paper calling for research investments, reduced bureaucracy, lower energy costs, and stronger federal cabinet representation for the region.
• Mario Voigt, Thuringian Minister-President and chair of the conference, emphasized Eastern Germany's potential as a national hub for innovation and economic growth.
• Participants include representatives from six states—Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Berlin, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—as well as business leaders such as Ralf-Uwe Bauer of the IHK Ostthüringen zu Gera.
• The meeting aims to position Eastern Germany not just to catch up with other regions but to lead in economic, infrastructural, and societal advancements.