On 17 July, Germany's federal government adopted an "initiative for economic growth" comprising 49 measures, some of which are designed to make it easier for certain groups, such as part-time employees and pensioners, to remain in – or increase their participation in – the world of work. Overtime pay is also to be increased.
The German economy is not yet out of the doldrums, having recorded GDP growth of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2024, but a decline of 0.1% in the second quarter. In an attempt to revitalise the economy, the federal government has included a €23 billion “initiative for economic growth” in its budget bill for 2025. The initiative comprises 49 measures across a wide range of sectors aimed at improving business competitiveness.
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Article authors
Thomas Schnee
Correspondent in Germany
As a Berlin correspondent for the French and Swiss press since the late 1990s, I cover a wide range of economic, political and social issues, with a particular focus on the German business and labour market. My areas of interest include co-determination, digitalisation, demographics and ESG/DEI policies.