According to a recent report, many German companies can no longer compete in the free market. RT reported that a survey on the decline of German industry revealed that numerous companies stated in October they have lost their competitive edge compared to firms outside the European Union.

This situation marks the highest percentage of German firms reporting a loss of competitiveness since the Ifo Institute's periodic surveys began over 31 years ago. Klaus Wohlrabe, head of the survey at the Ifo Institute in Munich, noted that Germany's industrial competitiveness has hit a record low, highlighting structural problems currently affecting the industry.

The perception of decline among German companies has increased significantly, rising from 12% to 21.5%. This decline is particularly severe among energy-intensive industries; in the chemical sector, over half of the companies reported losing their competitive ability. The figures are similarly alarming in electronics and optics manufacturing, with 47% reporting a decline, and 40% in machinery sectors.

Wohlrabe emphasized that these known structural issues must be addressed decisively. Without fundamental reforms, Germany risks falling further behind on the international stage.