So far, six of eight statements from the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO) have been published on the association's website. Here is a slightly abridged version of the topics covered so far.
First: Industrial policy agenda - Made in Germany 2.0
Jörg Püttbach, Chairman of the ZVO: "Germany's prosperity stems from industry. (...) The ZVO is therefore calling on the next Federal Government to present a market-oriented industrial policy agenda for growth and a new promise of prosperity. Made in Germany must once again become a guarantee for future generations."
Secondly: lower energy prices
Dr. Martin Kurpjoweit, Deputy Chairman of the ZVO: "Energy has become too expensive in this country to compete globally. The ZVO is therefore calling on the next German government to take immediate measures to stabilize energy prices in the short term. All untapped domestic energy efficiency potential must be used and leveraged (...)"
Thirdly: Be a strong voice in Brussels
Rainer Venz, Deputy Chairman, ZVO: "Germany has too often taken the back seat in key European projects such as the Green Deal (...). The ZVO is therefore calling on the next Federal Government to proactively fill its negotiating position at European level and to do more to promote the interests of German SMEs and industry."
Fourthly: Science-based environmental and chemicals policy
Dr. Elke Moosbach, member of the ZVO Executive Board: "Protecting the environment and consumers is not only important for reasons of sustainability, but is also becoming increasingly important from an economic perspective. (...) The ZVO is therefore calling on the next German government to adapt environmental and consumer protection regulations on the basis of scientific approaches from business, natural science and medicine and to increase the effectiveness and accuracy of legislation."
Fifth: Mastering the reduction of bureaucracy
Lukas Henningsen, member of the ZVO Board of Directors: "Our country seems shackled - shackled by regulations and formalities that go beyond any reasonable measure. (...) In the run-up to the 2025 federal elections, we are calling on the future federal government to finally and comprehensively reduce bureaucracy. (...) Right now, we need relief instead of additional hurdles - an end to excessive documentation requirements and instead clear and comprehensible regulations that are geared towards the real needs of companies. Reducing bureaucracy must no longer be an empty promise, but must finally be put into practice with vigor."
Sixth: Reduce corporate taxes
Walter Zeschky, member of the ZVO Executive Board: "Germany has become the country with the highest taxes. The ZVO is therefore calling on the next federal government to noticeably reduce the tax burden for companies and consumers and thus strengthen the competitiveness of our economy. In future, the cumulative tax burden for companies should be at an internationally competitive level of a maximum of 25 percent."