A year after its sharp defeat in the federal election, the Greens aim to smooth the rift between industry and the party with a new economic strategy.
In an eight‑page principle paper the parliamentary faction calls for cheaper energy and introduces a “bridge price” of five cents per kilowatt‑hour. It also proposes a reduction in the electricity tax for all companies and households, arguing that this will benefit the economy. The proposal goes beyond the government’s plans, which mainly target relief for large firms.
Through an “active industrial policy”, the Greens seek to better protect key, system‑critical sectors-including microelectronics, batteries, artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical supply, and strategic raw‑material industries such as steel and chemicals. In the steel sector, they suggest climate‑protection contracts whereby the state encourages the shift to climate‑friendly production. In the chemical industry, the state would partially reimburse companies for the additional costs incurred during the green transition.
The Greens also demand more from the automotive sector. They argue that the rapid growth of electric mobility offers Germany a chance to maintain its auto‑industry leadership if the shift to electric vehicles is carried out consistently. Accordingly, the paper outlines “clear targets for electrification” for the auto industry.
However, the Greens see Germany’s competitive risks as extending beyond traditional location factors. They stress the importance of positioning the country against rivals such as China and the US’s aggressive geo‑economic stance. According to the faction, Germany must forge an “alliance of counter‑power”.
To advance this agenda, the Greens have appointed an Economic Advisory Board for the current parliamentary term. The roughly 50‑member council is set to include executives such as EON chief executive Leonhard Birnbaum, Deutsche Bank FONDS daughter DWS chief Stefan Hoops, Thyssen‑Krupp Europe chief financial officer Marie Jaroni, and Allianz board member Günther Tallinger.
