Overview
- More than 81% of 1,125 firms surveyed by the BVMW said they do not expect the touted reform drive to bring noticeable improvements, with only 9% optimistic.
- Over half of respondents, 56%, reported low expectations for a Mittelstand-focused meeting to deliver meaningful results.
- Economics Minister Katherina Reiche launched a recurring Mittelstandsdialog in Berlin with roughly 50 association representatives, moderated by Gitta Connemann.
- Business leaders denounced mounting red tape, as Reiche cited IAB findings that about 325,000 jobs since 2022 were created solely to handle administrative requirements.
- High energy costs remain a top concern, with criticism of the plan to cut electricity tax only for the producing sector from January 1, which many firms say will not help them.