"Excessive tax bureaucracy, overlapping regulations, and a constant stream of new compliance obligations are increasingly burdening companies in Europe and Germany, undermining the international competitiveness of the automotive industry and other sectors. To strengthen the region's competitiveness and safeguard jobs, the tax and regulatory framework must be urgently improved.

The 'Tax Omnibus' package presented today by the European Commission marks an important first step toward a simpler and more competitive system of corporate taxation. The planned simplifications for internationally active companies are particularly welcome—such as reduced reporting requirements, simplified tax rules for cross-border payments, and more practical guidelines for corporate financing. These measures could lower administrative costs and give companies greater scope for investment. The proposals offer an opportunity to rectify the shortcomings of recent years and strengthen both the European Single Market and the region as a business location.

At the same time, this initiative must not mark the end of these efforts—rather, it must serve as the starting point for a comprehensive reform program. Responsibility not only lies with EU institutions, but in particular with the Federal Government: it must actively support the Commission’s proposals during upcoming negotiations at the European level, refrain from imposing additional restrictive measures at the national level, and vigorously drive forward long-overdue reforms domestically. What is needed is a decisive shift towards greater competitiveness—featuring an internationally competitive tax system, lower energy costs, reduced bureaucracy, faster approval and administrative procedures, and improved investment conditions for businesses."