Overview
- In a Berlin speech at the German Institute for Economic Research, the vice chancellor urged a tougher economic stance to protect domestic industry.
- He called for public investments to prioritize goods produced in Europe as a policy principle.
- He proposed obliging foreign companies to form joint ventures in strategic areas where Europe trails, citing battery cell production.
- He warned that Europe must become stronger and more sovereign, criticizing slow EU processes and frequent national solo efforts.
- He signaled readiness for stricter trade tools, with WELT reporting he floated tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel.