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Business facts. News facts. Association facts. Politics facts. Our facts.

What issues move us? How is our economy making a strong case for Germany as a business location?
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April 24, 2023


Issue 08/23:

Wake-up call for vocational training

The lack of training and skilled workers is crushing companies. In the current issue, Steffen Kampeter calls for the German government to start recognizing vocational training on an equal footing with academic training. The issue of the week takes a critical look at family start-up time. The exciting guest article is provided by Prof. Dr. Andrew Ullmann, who calls for a reform of our healthcare system.

06 April 2023


Issue 07/23:

Entrepreneurship, ambition and creativity

The prosperity of our country and our social security system are based on hard work and efficient, innovative companies. Employer President Dulger would therefore like the German government to be aware of this problem, change the framework conditions - and focus on entrepreneurship, ambition and creativity. This week's topic is the upcoming mediation procedure on whistleblower protection. There is also a guest article worth reading by labor lawyer Gregor Thüsing on the current EU draft directive on platform work.

March 23, 2023


Issue 06/23:
A chance for a new Germany speed

Looking ahead to the meeting of the coalition committee, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter therefore calls in Standpunkt for the opportunity to be seized for a new Germany speed. Much is being announced by the German government - but little is happening because it is not in agreement. This also applies to the complicated procedures for the immigration of skilled workers. Dr. Markus Pieper MEP sees our competitiveness in danger in a guest article. The topic of the week is excellent entrepreneurial commitment to vocational training. And much more.

March 9, 2023


Issue 05/23:
We need the courage to change

In the BDA Agenda, employer president Dulger calls on the German government to have the courage to change so as not to become the sick man of Europe again. Magdalena Rogl from Microsoft Germany explains why empathy is the basis for diversity and inclusion in this week's commentary. Other topics in this issue include a shortage of skilled workers, mobile work and the EU social security card, and much more.

February 23, 2023


Issue 04/23:
Daring more sustainability & social progress

Instead of more sustainability and social progress, bureaucracy and control madness are being promoted, warns BDA Chief Executive Steffen Kampeter in the Viewpoint of the current issue. School quality urgently needs to be improved. This is the topic of the week. There is also a guest article by Ingrid Hofmann that is well worth reading: She calls for more appreciation for companies.

09 February 2023


Issue 03/23:
We need a new dynamic in the economy and the world of work!

Employer President Dr. Dulger outlines in the BDA AGENDA how we are getting a new dynamic in the economy and the world of work. The guest commentary by Dr. Niggemann, member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, deals with the topic of "working time recording". In the new issue, you will also find insights into the exchange between the BDA Digital Council and the head of the Federal Chancellery, Wolfgang Schmidt, information on social self-administration and the future of European social systems and the welfare state, and much more.

January 26, 2023


Issue 02/23:
Germany's locational quality at risk

Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger sees Germany's locational quality in jeopardy and addresses this issue in detail in the current AGENDA. In addition, you will find a contribution on the topic of "bureaucracy reduction" using the example of the "basic pension" as well as a guest commentary by Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in which she explains that innovations need freedom, and much more.

January 12, 2023


Issue 01/23:
With strength and optimism into the new year

In the current issue, our CEO Steffen Kampeter looks ahead to 2023 and clearly formulates the issues that will be important this year. Judith Wiese, member of the Managing Board and Labor Director of Siemens AG, emphasizes that due to the lack of skilled workers, companies must increase their attractiveness as employers - not least by training and developing their own employees. The AGENDA also contains information on our "ARBEIT MADE IN GERMANY" campaign and the Labor Law Congress, which will take place in early February 2023, as well as much more.

December 22, 2022


Issue 25/22:
A good start to the new year 2023!

In this year's last issue, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger looks back at 2022. You'll also find all the info on the electronic certificate of incapacity to work, which will be launched on January 1, 2023, an overview of the diverse ISWA seminars, and much more.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 8, 2022


Issue 24/22:
We need a new ambition!

"We again need the strong will and courage to realize ideas and shape the future, the hunger for change," emphasizes our CEO Steffen Kampeter in the new BDA AGENDA. Also in it: a guest commentary by Prof. Dr. Werding on "Structural change & deindustrialization", concrete proposals for a moratorium on burdens in the multi-crisis, a look at our digital skills initiative "Future Skills" and much more.

November 24, 2022


Issue 23/22:
Our democracy has proven its efficiency in the crisis

The importance of the citizen's income and the mediation committee is explained by our CEO Steffen Kampeter in the current issue of BDA-AGENDA. You will also find a guest article by Prof. Dr. Roland Koch, Chairman of the Ludwig Erhard Foundation, as well as a review of our joint BDA/LES Lunchtalk, which took place this week with top-class speakers and numerous guests. A note on our upcoming event, which we are organizing together with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and much more.

November 10, 2022


Issue 22/22:
We must do everything possible to safeguard jobs and value creation

In the current issue, Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger comments on the Citizen's Income Act, which was passed today in the German Bundestag. You will also find our latest brochure, "Artificial Intelligence in Entrepreneurial Practice," as well as a detailed plea for sustainable structural reforms in health and long-term care insurance, and much more.

October 27, 2022


Issue 21/22:
Release the brakes and give way to economic growth!

"Economic growth remains the guarantor," emphasizes our CEO Steffen Kampeter and explains how certain brakes on growth need to be eased. You will also find a guest article by Elisabeth Niejahr on the topic of "Equal opportunities and social mobility" in the current AGENDA, as well as a note on our labor law congress and an outlook on the economy.

13 October 2022


Issue 20/22:
This energy crisis must not be allowed to turn into an economic and social crisis - politics & social partners must do everything together against this.

In the current issue of the BDA Agenda, employers' president Dr. Rainer Dulger warns that politicians and social partners must do everything they can to ensure that this energy crisis does not turn into an economic and social crisis, also in view of the shortage of skilled workers and the onset of recession. You will also find our position on the draft Whistleblower Protection Act and 10 theses by Deutsche Telekom Board Member Birgit Bohle on the culture of innovation. This and much more awaits you.

29September 2022


Issue 19/22:
Driving digitization forward with momentum.

The legislator should promptly improve the verification law. Our CEO Steffen Kampeter explains how and why in the current BDA-AGENDA. You will also find a guest article by the Ambassador of the United States of America, Dr. Amy Gutmann, an explanatory video on the subject of "structural change", a plea against raising the income threshold for statutory health insurance contributions, and much more.

September 14, 2022


Special Issue 18/22:
#DAT2022: Strong economy. Strong Germany.

At the German #Arbeitgebertag 2022, we welcomed numerous national and international speakers from politics, business and society. Thank you for all the exciting speeches and discussions at DAT2022! And, of course, many thanks to the #sponsors and to all those involved, without whom this event would not have been possible.

September 1, 2022


Issue 17/22:
Modern regulations in working time law instead of new working time bureaucracy

Great events are casting their shadows ahead...on September 13, the German Employers' Day 2022 will take place. We are looking forward to many top-class speakers, such as CDU party chairman Friedrich Merz, who has written the guest article on "Germany must reinvent its business model" in this AGENDA issue. In addition, Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger presents his ideas for a new working time law.

August 18, 2022


Issue 16/22:
Fighting inflation effectively together

In the current BDA AGENDA, our CEO, Steffen Kampeter, emphasizes the importance of a joint effort to tackle inflation. You will also find a commentary by Sarna Röser, who calls entrepreneurship a "life insurance for the German economy. Furthermore, it deals with the topics of equal opportunities, a hybrid working world and much more.

04 August 2022


Issue 15/22:
An end to sleepwalking - Resolutely out of the crisis

Skilled workers and employees are in demand everywhere. With the start of the training year, young people once again have the opportunity to make the most of their chances. Many training positions are still available. The BDA is also looking for skilled workers. You can find out more about this and read a plea from Elke Hannack, Deputy Chairwoman of the German Trade Union Federation, for a cultural change in continuing education and much more in the current issue of BDA AGENDA.

July 21, 2022


Issue 14/22:
When the lights go out in companies, no one is helped

In the current issue of BDA Agenda, BDA Chief Executive Steffen Kampeter warns that we must prioritize our resilience to gas supply disruptions. The crises are overlapping. With such a complex situation, we need balanced and pragmatic solutions. Our topic of the week is the SHI financing gap. Also worth reading: The appeal for more courage in the commentary of the week by Martin Seiler. Our 10-point plan on labor migration and much more await you in this week's issue.

July 7, 2022


Issue 13/22:
Finding the best solutions together

In the current issue of BDA Agenda, employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger emphasizes that we can only solve this crisis together, because we have a shared responsibility. You will also find a commentary by ZDH President Hans Peter Wollseifer on securing skilled workers and our position on the topic of administrative digitization, where Germany is lagging far behind. This and much more awaits you.

June 24, 2022


Special issue 12/22:
#futurework22 - for a sustainable design of the working world

More than 2,500 participants on site at the EUREF Campus and in the livestream: The #futurework22 - the largest festival on the future of work in Germany - was again a complete success! The topic "sustainable design of the working world" was the focus of the numerous discussions and workshops with the 46 speakers. In this special edition you will find, among other things, the best impressions around the event. Take a look right now!

09 June 2022


Issue 11/22:
Strengthen the economy!

Diversity is increasingly recognized as a success factor in companies. Dr. Claudia Brandkamp from Deutsche Telekom Security GmbH explains how prevention against violence in the workplace can succeed. In addition, the "Summer of Vocational Training" will focus this time on the "Importance of Practical Experience". And don't forget: #futurework22 will take place on June 23, 2022. Register now!

May 25, 2022


Issue 10/22:
Let's get it on!

Two key topics in the new issue of the BDA Agenda are the "MINT Spring Report" and the "Summer of Vocational Training". You will also find a guest commentary by the federal chairman of Bündnis90/Die Grünen, Omid Nouripour MdB, on the topic of the "energy revolution" and two constitutional assessments of the Minimum Wage Increase Act. We wish you interesting reading!

May 13, 2022


Issue 09/22:
Strong Economy - Secure Germany

Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger promotes "Summer of Vocational Training," a new era of our social partner begins with Yasmin Fahimi at the helm, a guest commentary by Federal Minister Christian Lindner on the topic of "supply policy" and many other exciting topics can be found in the new issue of BDA Agenda.

April 28, 2022


Issue 08/22:
Averting damage from collective bargaining autonomy

The Minimum Wage Increase Act was not only a topic in the German Bundestag on April 28, 2022, but also at our Lunchtalk. You can read more about this in the current BDA Agenda. We also discuss Girls'Day/Boys'Day, which takes place today, and the Hertie Foundation's current campaign on multiple sclerosis in the workplace.

April 7, 2022

Issue 07/22:
Rethinking together

In the current issue of BDA Agenda, Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger emphasizes that the most important goal at present is: security. We can only achieve this with a strong economy. You will also find a commentary by Prof. Dr. Veronika Grimm on economic development in Germany and the euro zone, as well as our position on BAföG. Expanding BAföG is the wrong way to go. This and much more awaits you.

March 24, 2022


Issue 06/22:
Strong companies - secure Germany

In the current issue, Steffen Kampeter argues for strengthening the economy. In the "Topic of the Week," we call for preventing the rise in health insurance premiums. Also in the current issue, you'll find the German economy's 10-point plan for overcoming crises, a Bayern 2 radio interview with the BDA's CEO, and much more.
March 10, 2022

Issue 05/22:
#StandWithUkraine

The special current issue of the BDA Agenda focuses on the topic of "Ukraine". In a video, Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger condemns Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms on behalf of German employers. The leading associations of German business have launched the #WirtschaftHilft initiative,. Read everything else about it in the current BDA Agenda.
February 24, 2022

Issue 04/22:
Protecting tariff autonomy

In the 4th issue of the BDA Agenda in 2022, BDA Chief Executive Steffen Kampeter calls for the protection of collective bargaining autonomy. In our "Topic of the Week" we look at the "Home Office". The current issue also includes a "Comment of the Week" by Stephan Stracke MdB, Chairman of the Working Group on Labor and Social Affairs of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the Bundestag, and much more.
February 10, 2022

Issue 03/22:
The spirit of Ludwig Erhard belongs back at the cabinet table

In the BDA Agenda, employer president Dulger calls - on the occasion of Ludwig Erhard's 125th birthday - for less government, more flexibility and personal responsibility, and more courage for more innovations and start-ups. The commentary of the week on the impact of demographic change on our social systems comes from Christian Dürr MdB, Chairman of the FDP parliamentary group in the German Bundestag. The topic of the week is devoted to political interference in wage setting and the report from Brussels is about the EU standardization strategy. Uvm.
January 27, 2022

Issue 02/22:
Strengthening trust and planning security

In the new issue of the BDA Agenda, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter emphasizes the importance of planning security and trust. In our "Topic of the Week" we look at the excellent training opportunities for young people, and in the "Report from Brussels" we look at the EU Commission's higher education strategy. This and much more awaits you.

January 13, 2022

Issue 01/22:
More cooperation, respect and support

In the first issue of the BDA Agenda in 2022, BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter calls for more cooperation, respect and support from political leaders and the traffic light government. In our "Topic of the Week," we look at pension policy responses to demographic change. "Inclusion: Uniform points of contact for employers is the topic of the "Extra of the Week".

December 23, 2021

Issue 29/21:
Confidence and drive for 2022

In the new BDA agenda, Employer President Dulger looks ahead to the new year with optimism. What was particularly relevant in the EU in 2021 and what awaits us in 2022? That's answered in the Topic of the Week. A Christmas greeting from the BDA communications team and much more awaits you.

December 8, 2021

Issue 28/21:
Respect for corporate responsibility

In the new BDA agenda, CEO Steffen Kampeter looks forward to the cooperation of social partner employers & social democrat Scholz. Other topics include the International Labor Conference (ILO) and an update on the EU's planned minimum wage and wage transparency directives.

November 26, 2021

Issue 27/21:
There is magic in every beginning

Germany needs a structural change coalition! In the BDA Agenda, Employer President Dulger takes a look at the new coalition agreement. You can also read our assessment of the new infection control law and the corresponding regulation on home offices. This and much more in the new BDA agenda.
November 11, 2021

Issue 26/21:
For a departure that makes our country sustainably strong

Stalled traffic on the way to the traffic lights, excellent prospects for an apprenticeship and an outlook on the German Employers' Day, the largest & most important congress of the entire German economy - this and more in the new BDA agenda!
October 28, 2021

Issue 25/21:
New opportunities for reform

In the new BDA agenda, employers' president Dulger urges that structural change finally be treated as a priority. In the Topic of the Week, the focus is on the problem of long-term unemployment. The BDA is among the first signatories of a joint declaration against sexism. This and much more awaits you.
October 14, 2021

Issue 24/21:
For a sustainable economic recovery

The new BDA agenda is about our future: CEO Kampeter points out that a non-functioning traffic light leads to chaos. In the commentary of the week, parliamentary director of the FDP parliamentary group Stark-Watzinger says: "Things can't stay as they are." Also: background on the B20 summit and the DFB's #2023andDu honorary project.
September 30, 2021

Issue 23/21:
Germany after the election

The BDA agenda after the Bundestag elections: "Out of crisis mode, into reform mode!" says Managing Director Steffen Kampeter. Employer President Dulger looks forward to working with a federal government from the democratic center that is ready for modernization. Plus: What to do in the first 100 days after the election.
September 23, 2021

Issue 22/21:
Germany before the election

The BDA agenda ahead of the Bundestag elections: In it, Employer President Dulger calls for a reform chancellor who thinks about the economy. Plus: Our 9 points for the first 100 days after the election!
September 16, 2021

Issue 21/21:
For a strong business location

This week in our agenda: Vaccination appeal by Chief Executive Steffen Kampeter. Because: It is our task as a whole to convince those who are still hesitant. The topic of the week is devoted to the need for reform ahead of the Bundestag elections, which is urgently needed to secure our country's competitiveness. Other topics include the conference on the future of Europe and an exciting offer from BC4D to companies that want to get involved in democratic coexistence.

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September 9, 2021


Issue 20/21:
Making social systems fit for the future

In the BDA Agenda, Employer President Dr. Dulger points out that 97% of Germans are in favor of pension reform. This is the result of a Forsa survey commissioned by the BDA. The comment of the week comes from FDP federal chairman Christian Lindner. He thinks: "There has never been more to do". The topic of the week is devoted to the question of the future viability of the social system. This and much more in the new issue.

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September 2, 2021

Issue 19/21:
Legal certainty for vaccination status query!

In the new Agenda, BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter emphasizes the need for legal certainty for vaccination status inquiries. In his commentary of the week, Union faction leader Ralph Brinkhaus calls tax increases poison for innovation. The topic of securing skilled workers and much more awaits you in this issue.

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August 19, 2021

Issue 18/21:
Europe for growth and value creation

In the current issue, read the appeal by employers' president Rainer Dulger on the current vaccination appeal and the call for the new German government to put social security systems at the top of its agenda. In the commentary, Florian Hahn, CDU/CSU Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on the Affairs of the European Union, reflects on growth and value creation for Europe. In the Topic of the Week, we report on the conference on the future of Europe and the core demands of employers. In addition, our virtual lunchtalk series starts again after the summer break with many interesting actors and topics. You can find registration options in the agenda.

05 August 2021

Issue 17/21:
Update for the world of work and social systems

Read the viewpoint of Steffen Kampeter, BDA Executive Director, in the current issue on the German government's annual social report. In the Commentary of the Week, home office is seen as a win-win for everyone by Dr. Mathias Bartke MdB, Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Social Affairs. Modern and flexible working time legislation is also the topic of the week.

July 22, 2021

Issue 16/21:
Defending common values

In the current issue, read the appeal by Steffen Kampeter, BDA Executive Director, for solidarity with the flood victims. In the Topic of the Week, the impact of U.S. entry restrictions on the German economy is highlighted. German-American friendship is also the subject of the Commentary of the Week by Prof. Dr. Andrew Ullmann MdB, Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Group USA.

July 8, 2021

Issue 15/21:
Full speed ahead in education - learning from the pandemic

Read the viewpoint of Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger in the current issue, who reminds us that education belongs at the top of the agenda. This week's topic is the "Summer of Vocational Training." There, we are partners in the Alliance for Vocational Training and Continuing Education to intensify vocational orientation and attract school leavers to in-company training. Training is also the subject of the commentary by Claudia Müller MdB, SME representative for the Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary group. Also of interest are the EU's new priorities in occupational health and safety. By the way: Don't slack off on vaccinations and testing!


June 24, 2021


Issue 14/21:
Less regulation, more entrepreneurial spirit

In the current issue, read the viewpoint of Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger, who warns that without strengthening the economy, we will be neither climate-neutral nor an industrial nation in the future. The shortage of skilled workers is one of the braking blocks for companies and therefore our topic of the week. Among other exciting information, you will also learn how the EU's new Covid certificate works and why the free movement of persons can finally be capitalized on again in times of a pandemic.

June 10, 2021

Special issue 13/21:
#FUTUREWORK21 - The new working world after the pandemic

Read the viewpoint of BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter in the current issue. With a packed program, around 50 speakers and almost 4,000 guests on the livestream, #futurework21 was a great success again this year. It's worth taking a look at the photo gallery or the videos. The SME check by Microsoft and BDA is also particularly informative - the majority of Germany's SMEs have good prerequisites for a successful new start after the Corona crisis. Find out which factors are decisive for this in the current BDA Agenda.

May 27, 2021

Issue 12/21:
Cohesion instead of division - parts of politics on the wrong track

In the current issue, read the viewpoint of BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter, who counters the divisive forces in politics by not just thinking about the election date, but thinking about our future. We want to move our country forward together. We will show that again when it comes to vaccination. On the occasion of the vaccination summit, vaccination is also the topic of the week. The report on the EU Blue Card and the MINT trend report are also particularly informative. And if you don't want to miss #Futurework21, you can find the direct link to registration in the agenda.

May 19, 2021

Special issue 11/21:
#wirtschaftsindwiralle - We Employers for the Bundestag Election

Read the current issue here with a viewpoint from Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger. In this special issue of the BDA Agenda, you can read our expectations of policymakers and the next German government, which we have summarized in an 8-point paper. Creating good working conditions is not just a slogan or advertising slogan for companies, but a reality in the workplace. Companies in Germany are doing a lot to make their working conditions not just good, but very good. To achieve this, we need good framework conditions.

May 14, 2021

Issue 10/21:
Social Market Economy Must Not Be a Blank Space

Here you will find the current issue, including a statement by the President of the German Employers' Association, Dr. Rainer Dulger. The topic of the week is the German government's current poverty/wealth report. In the report from Brussels, everything revolves around the developments of the social summit in Porto. Young talent is important to us employers. That's why a BDA discussion panel at the didacta education fair was devoted to the topic of "Teacher training in and after Corona," in line with publication "Improving teacher training.

April 29, 2021

Issue 09/21:
Vaccination is economic policy

Here you will find the current issue, including a viewpoint from Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger. With May 1 just around the corner, the topic of the week is, of course, all about work. We would also like to take this opportunity to mention our #Futurework21 festival. For us employers, the social market economy also remains important. That's why we look forward to a commentary on the week from Dr. Carsten Linnemann MdB. Otherwise, all we can say is: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate!

April 15, 2021

Issue 08/21:
Corona Crisis - Closing of ranks needed between politics & business

Read the current issue here, including a viewpoint from Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger. The issue also contains the topic of the week: digitization on the occasion of this week's Hannover Messe. The issue is also devoted to the topic of 70 years of coal and steel co-determination. You can also read interesting facts about inclusion and training.

April 1, 2021

Issue 07/21:
We test what the stuff holds!

Read the current issue here with, among other things, a viewpoint by Steffen Kampeter, BDA Chief Executive, which is devoted in particular to the subject of corona testing. The issue also contains the topic of the week: short-time work and vacation entitlement as well as a well-filled media review, this time also with audio contributions, and news from our members.

March 18, 2021

Issue 06/21:
The key lies in vaccinating and testing

Read the current issue here, including a viewpoint from Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger and the topic of the week: Digitization and sustainability in every dual training program as part of Training Week. The issue also includes a Comment of the Week by Tilman Kuban, Federal Chairman of Germany's Junge Union, a report from Brussels on the Pay Transparency Directive, and the video of the week for our 'Social Partners Employers in Dialog' livetalk series.

March 5, 2021

Issue 05/21:
If politics & business pull together, we can gain a lot of trust

Read the current issue here, including a viewpoint from employer president Dr. Rainer Dulger and the topic of the week: collective agreement on care for the elderly. The issue also contains a commentary of the week by Gesamtmetall President Dr. Stefan Wolf, an article on the European social partners' deliberations on platform work, and an interesting special on our virtual event series "Social Partners Employers in Dialog", in which Till Brönner has already participated.

February 18, 2021

Issue 04/21:
Entrepreneurs and employees finally need a clear perspective

Read the current issue here, including a viewpoint from Steffen Kampeter, BDA Executive Director, and the topic of the week: supply chains. The issue also contains an exciting Twitter discussion with Federal Minister Heil and information on the report on strengthening social dialogue in the EU.