The EU's regulatory measures must be designed in such a way that they strengthen the international competitiveness of European companies and increase the attractiveness of Europe as an investment location. Companies - especially small and medium-sized enterprises - need a reliable regulatory framework and, in view of the multitude of global challenges, must not be overburdened with constantly growing market interventions, new bureaucracy and detailed regulation.

ZVEI's European network also includes the European associations - Orgalim, T&D Europe, Digitaleurope, Cemep, Cocir and many other sectoral organizations - as well as the BDI and Businesseurope. ZVEI is involved there and works with its partners from all over Europe on joint solutions and positions. On many topics, there are also joint initiatives with partner associations from other European countries, such as Fieec from France, Kigeit from Poland, or Teknikföretagen from Sweden.

Digital economy

The digital transformation of the economy in the age of Industry 4.0 and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain is affecting every company in Europe. ZVEI is committed to the creation of a European Digital Union, with a level playing field across Europe.

The European single market is one of the European Union's greatest achievements. Now it is a matter of shaping it in the age of digitization. The right framework conditions must be created quickly in Europe for this. A new strategic European industrial policy is also needed that focuses on strengthening international competitiveness in a coherent and market-open manner.

Energy, environment and sustainability

ZVEI supports an ambitious European energy and environmental policy. Only through successful international cooperation can climate protection goals be achieved. ZVEI member companies supply modern and innovative technologies for the transition to a CO2-neutral world. To ensure that these are put to use, the association works out the right framework conditions and ensures that the electrical industry's products are reused and recycled in a sustainable, safe manner, thus contributing to increased recycling.

In close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and European umbrella organizations, the ZVEI European Office develops coherent strategies for the electrical industry in the main topics: International Climate Policy, European Energy System, Digitalization of the Energy Transition, Sustainability Policy, UN Sustainable Development Goals and Circular Economy.

International trade

Free and fair global trade is very important for the German electrical and digital industry, as the sector is one of the world's four largest suppliers of electrotechnical and electronic products and systems, with an export volume of almost 224 billion euros (2021). The competitiveness of the electrical industry depends to a large extent on its integration into international production and value chains. For the electrical industry, open markets and a trade regime that is as barrier-free as possible are thus an important basic prerequisite for its economic success.

In recent years, the European Union has been making increasing efforts to conclude bilateral trade agreements with important partners in order to secure common prosperity. Positive examples are the conclusion of CETA with Canada and JEFTA with Japan, which undoubtedly underline the important role of duty-free trade for the prosperity and welfare of all partners involved. A fairly structured agreement with the USA would also greatly help the industry.