Hager, who has been associated with the association for many years, took office with a keynote speech on industrial policy. "The digital and electrical industry is one of the main economic pillars of our country," he said immediately after his election at the association's eSummit. In his view, the political task is to anchor the importance of the industry for technological progress and social prosperity more firmly in the political arena. He called on Chancellor Merz to resolutely tackle reforms to pensions, working hours and social security contributions. "We need to look more closely again at what really sustains our location: performance, innovation and competitiveness."

His speech focused on the question of how Europe and Germany can survive in the global competition for technology and industrial value creation. While the USA and China were setting the pace in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, Europe was in danger of getting bogged down in regulatory debates that would slow down innovation rather than enable it.

Hager referred to industrial applications of AI as a strength of European industry. "One of the strengths of the German electrical and digital industry lies in the development of AI for industrial applications - for robots, the process industry, power grids, buildings and much more. In order to exploit this, we need more creative freedom." Regulation must be measured by whether it enables or hinders innovation. The compromise reached in the trilogue on the so-called AI omnibus is a step forward, but remains incomplete. "Double regulation should also be abolished for medical devices," said Hager.

Europe in global competition

Europe's geopolitical situation also played a central role in his speech. According to Hager, Europe is "our 'life insurance' in geopolitically difficult times". Only an economically strong Europe could survive in a world in which existing rules were becoming increasingly less binding. The single market must be deepened and the European Union must be seen more as an "industrial accelerator".

Microelectronics as a key technology

Another focus was microelectronics. Europe must become more independent in key technologies such as semiconductor production and development. According to a new study by the association, European demand for semiconductors will double by 2040. "Europe must react quickly to the increasing demand and strengthen its microelectronics ecosystem," said Hager. "Europe must not slip into one-sided dependencies when it comes to key technologies."

Energy policy and electricity prices

Hager also linked energy policy issues with industrial policy considerations. "The future is electric - whether in cars or buildings," he said. Demand for electrical applications is closely linked to the price of electricity, as surveys conducted by the association have shown. From this, the ZVEI derives the demand to reduce the electricity tax to the European minimum level - as announced in the coalition agreement and demanded by the EU Commission.

Experience in the association

Hager has been active in the ZVEI for 15 years, leading trade associations and platforms within the organization and is now Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Hager Group.

Representatives from Siemens, Bosch and Schneider Electric were newly elected to the Executive Committee as Vice Presidents. The Executive Committee also includes executives from companies such as Siemens Energy, Phoenix Contact and Infineon.