"It is disappointing that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave far too little space to industry and increasing competitiveness in her state of the union speech. Industry in Europe faces enormous tasks with economic reconstruction after the pandemic and the green transformation. Von der Leyen missed the opportunity to put Europe in a positive light as an industrial location. Entrepreneurs, such as the machinery and plant manufacturers who are driving the green transformation, were neither addressed nor motivated by the words of the Commission President. Yet it is precisely the many small and medium-sized enterprises that make a significant contribution to Europe's prosperity and deserve an appropriate place in the address.

It is indeed positive that the European Union, despite all the difficulties, has proven to be stable and to show solidarity in the crisis - as long as member states pull together. Looking ahead, this is still necessary: a strong voice for Europe in the world is crucial for the export-oriented mechanical engineering sector in times of global upheaval."