Employer President Dulger and DGB President Hoffmann: Involve social partners in the elaboration of an opening strategy
15. February 2021
Regular talks with the government are the right thing to do, but they are no substitute for coordinated action with the social partners.
16. February 2021Open borders in the Schengen area must not be abolished unilaterally
On the discussion of German border controls with Austria and the Czech Republic, the Confederation of German Employers' Associations declares:
A functioning internal market is essential for economic recovery
Berlin, 16 February 2021 "With the controls now introduced at the borders with the Czech Republic and Tyrol, the German government shows that it has unfortunately not learned from the initial mistakes of uncoordinated border closures from the spring of 2020.
Border controls are already hampering economic activity and severely affecting the closely interwoven international supply chains. After all, the free movement of workers, smooth transport routes, cross-border service provision and business travel are indispensable for a functioning European single market. Commuting is also of great relevance for many German companies, not only for individually listed systemically relevant businesses.
The fact is that open borders in the Schengen area must not be abolished unilaterally - European coordination is always required here. In addition, any border closure must be proportionate and respect the principle of non-discrimination. To contain the pandemic, we need effective and proportionate measures with the least possible economic impact."
