Proposal requested for a worker safety directive addressing radiation risks from ionising radiation.

The German Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, is taking a proactive approach to support the beleaguered automotive industry. In the face of waning demand, rising costs, uncertain sales markets, geopolitical crises, and potential regulations, Hoffmeister-Kraut is urging decisive action from the European Union.

On September 10, 2025, Hoffmeister-Kraut will participate in roundtable discussions at the IAA Mobility in Munich, where she will engage with CEOs of leading automotive and supplier companies, as well as Hildegard Müller, President of the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA). Müller is the main representative of the VDA at events such as IAA Mobility 2025.

Hoffmeister-Kraut is advocating for several measures to boost competitiveness within the industry. These include affordable charging electricity for electric cars, competitive electricity prices for industry as a whole, stronger investment incentives, faster expansion of high-performance charging infrastructure, and swift removal of international trade barriers.

The Minister believes that strong international partnerships are crucial for the future of the automotive industry and that Canada, with its highly innovative location, offers potential for cooperation. On the same day, she will have discussions with Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Canadian province of Ontario.

The automotive industry has been hit hard in recent times, with around 50,000 jobs lost in the past twelve months. This has caused concern for the economic hub of Baden-Württemberg and Germany. To address this, Hoffmeister-Kraut will also engage in discussions with regional transformation networks to support small and medium-sized businesses feeling the pressure of transformation, which need targeted support in qualification, digitalization, and new business models.

Hoffmeister-Kraut has also criticized the EU's plans to introduce new regulatory requirements for the automotive industry, stating that it borders on political reality denial. She believes that business as usual would be fatal and that immediate action is needed to restore competitiveness.

For more information, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism can be contacted via their Press Office, Citizen's Representative, or through a contact form on their website. On September 11, Hoffmeister-Kraut will continue her company visits in the Neckar-Alb region, touring two plants in the automotive and machinery industry.

Proposal requested for a worker safety directive addressing radiation risks from ionising radiation.