Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut calls for a stronger internal market for start-ups!

Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut calls for a stronger internal market for start-ups!

Europe's competitiveness is on the agenda: On June 26, 2025, the Baden-Württemberg Economics Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut met with high-ranking representatives of the EU Commission in Brussels to discuss current challenges and perspectives in the economy. Among the participants were Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and Estelle Göger. The focus was primarily on concerns relating to start-ups, research and innovation and the creation of better framework conditions for new companies. As acting chairwoman of the Conference of Economic Ministers, Hoffmeister-Kraut formulated clear messages that are also in line with the most recent resolutions of the conference in Stuttgart. Promoting start-ups and innovation is one of the key concerns of the conference, and the minister called for faster progress in the EU.

In her discussions, she particularly called for the internal market to be strengthened. While the Commission's new start-up strategy was welcomed, Hoffmeister-Kraut points out that there is still a lot to do when it comes to reducing bureaucracy and raising capital. “Start-ups need freedom and easy access to capital,” she emphasized. This is not only a central concern for the Baden-Württemberg economy, but is also important for the entire European innovation landscape, which should finally create structural freedom to promote creative developments.

Obstacles in the internal market

However, the European internal market, which is more than 30 years old and includes 26 million businesses and 450 million consumers, faces challenges. A current position paper from ZVEI draws attention to the key obstacles that exist. These include complicated business start-ups, confusing EU regulations and the lack of recognition of professional qualifications. These aspects often delay market access and could make life particularly difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The EU Commission has developed a strategy to reduce these trade and investment barriers. This covers ten key issues, including fragmented service regulations and lack of product compliance. In addition, digitalization should be promoted and companies supported in their growth. It is a common goal to strengthen the internal market again so that European companies can do good business and consumers benefit from lower prices.

An appeal to the EU states

Hoffmeister-Kraut called for binding steps in Brussels to improve the internal market with the aim of making cross-border business easier. Member States are called upon to actively contribute to improving the EU market in order to create a more effective economic landscape. “We need to intensify cooperation and develop solutions that ensure that new regulations and existing standards mesh smoothly,” said the minister.

Almost half of Baden-Württemberg's exports go to the EU, which underlines the importance of an efficient internal market for innovation and growth. Hoffmeister-Kraut sees an urgent need for action here and is certain: “With the right framework conditions, we can take the European economic area to the next level.” It remains to be seen how quickly the required measures will be implemented politically, but the will for change is noticeable.