IG Metall Leader Calls for Stronger European Industrial Policy

Christiane Benner urges Europe to reduce reliance on China and the U.S., emphasizing energy costs, digitalization, and streamlined regulations.

IG Metall Chair Christiane Benner advocates for a unified European industrial strategy to counter challenges from Chinese state capitalism and U.S. economic policies.
Benner highlights the need for affordable energy, accelerated digitalization, and reduced bureaucracy to prevent de-industrialization in Europe.
She criticizes management missteps in Germany's auto industry, including slow digital adoption and lack of affordable electric vehicle models.
The union leader stresses the importance of tying EU subsidies to projects with high value creation within Europe and adherence to climate goals.
Benner calls for a stable German government with fewer coalition partners to implement necessary reforms effectively.