News
Vocational Training Situation in the Bavarian Metal and Electrical Industries (M+E)
In 2025, the number of newly concluded training contracts in the M+E industries is expected to fall by 3.8 percent. The economic situation and the lack of (suitable) applicants are making themselves felt. However, from the perspective of young people, the training situation remains good.
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Remuneration in Bavaria – A Sector Comparison
Metal and Electrical Industries (M+E) Economic Survey for Bavaria – Summer 2025
The economic situation in the Bavarian M+E industries remains poor, but companies are growing more confident about future developments. This is shown by our current economic survey among 193 bayme vbm member companies with a total of 247,000 employees.
New “Visa integrity fee” for travelers to the United States
According to the recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, there will be a new fee for nonimmigrant visa to the United States of at least 250 US-Dollar. The fee for the privileged ESTA is supposed to increase from 21 USD to 40 USD.
Omnibus I Directive: Draft report of the European Parliament
The European Parliament's rapporteur on the Omnibus I Directive has presented his draft report. Further relief for companies is proposed. For example, the obligation to report on sustainability should only apply to 3,000 employees or more.
Immediate Tax Investment Program to strengthen Germany as a business location
On July 11, 2025, the law for an immediate tax investment program to strengthen Germany as a business location has passed. We present the key elements.
Planned data protection relief for medium-sized businesses in the European Union
The Omnibus IV package presented by the EU Commission defines the new “Small Mid-Cap” company category. The new category is intended to provide data protection relief for medium-sized businesses. We have put together the most important aspects for you.
Syria Sanctions Relief
In light of the fall of the Assad regime, the US and the EU are largely lifting their sanctions on Syria. We explain which measures are being discontinued and which ones remain.
STEM Workforce Report: Germany Has a Shortage of over 163,600 STEM Workers
There is a shortage of over 163,600 STEM workers in Germany. The planned investments in the area of defense and the advancing decarbonization will continue to ensure a high demand for skilled workers in STEM professions.
Spotlight on trade and investment relations between the United States and Bavaria
In light of the recent tariff announcements by the U.S. government, we highlight the importance of trade and investment relations between the U.S. and Bavaria. In 2024, the United States has been Bavaria’s second most important trading partner after China.
German Election: What the Bavarian Industry Expects from the New Government
The clear result of the German election establishes the conservative parties CDU/CSU as the strongest force. vbw now expects them to form a government swiftly so that the necessary economic turnaround can take place quickly and effectively.
U.S. strengthens sanctions against Russia by targeting Russian oil production and exports
On January 10, 2025 the Biden administration took comprehensive measures to fulfill the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy. We explain what companies operating in the energy sector need to know.
German Metal and Electrical Industry Bargaining Round 2024 concluded
On November 12, 2024, employers and trade unions reached a pilot agreement for the Northern and Bavarian collective bargaining area in Hamburg during the fourth negotiation round. We inform you about the core content.