Ems axis calls for courageous reforms - focus on country for progress!

Ems axis calls for courageous reforms - focus on country for progress!

In Nordhorn, the Ems-Axis growth region has impressively attracted attention. At the last general meeting, chairman Bernard Krone put his finger directly in the wound and called for a “courageous reform policy” from the federal government. After all, it's not just about the here and now, but also about the future of the region and its around 900 members, who represent more than 130,000 employees. “In order for economic growth to continue to gain momentum, we have to act now,” said Krone, who pointed to around 50 events per year for networking and participation in order to strengthen the local economy. Economy current reports that Gitta Connemann, the Parliamentary State Secretary, also emphasized in her speech the urgent need for major reforms in the coming year.

A central point that shaped the discussion was the reduction in bureaucracy, which Krone saw as essential for creating additional jobs and strengthening economic growth. According to Krone, the focus is also on specific projects, such as the four-lane European road E233, which will run from the A31 near Meppen to the A1 near Emstek. These transport projects are of great importance for the entire Ems axis, and Connemann assured the support of the federal government. In addition, the current discussion about the reform of citizen's benefit was also discussed, which is also scheduled to include work obligations for employable citizen's benefit recipients.

The role of the Ems axis growth region

The Ems-Axis growth region, an association of companies, municipalities, educational institutions and associations, has set itself the goal of intensifying economic cooperation between the districts of Wittmund, Aurich, Leer, the city of Emden as well as the Emsland and the county of Bentheim. INQA describes, how the strategy aims to develop new projects, promote exchange between companies and pool knowledge to ultimately strengthen economic growth. In 2021, the region even earned the title of “Innovative Network” from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

A central concern is the digital skilled workers offensive, which was launched during the corona pandemic. Measures such as job fairs, network visits and international recruiting trips, including to South Africa and Mexico, are being planned. Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the rail strategy study, which offers comprehensive analyzes of the rail network in the region.

Investments and infrastructure

A pioneering project is the investment of 1.9 billion euros in the north of the Netherlands to improve the Nedersaksenlijn from Emmen to Groningen. This initiative could not only improve regional transport but also promote economic cooperation across the border. There was also a call for the reactivation of local passenger transport on the rail route from Essen to Meppen, which would sustainably cover the region's mobility needs. In this context, District Administrator Uwe Fietzek expressed the wish for an end to border controls on the German-Dutch border in order to further stimulate economic development.

Finally, it should be noted that the Ems-Axis growth region is in a dynamic phase. The initiative calls for innovation and reform to lay the foundations for a thriving economy. The Federal Ministry of Economics emphasizes that such regional initiatives are necessary to sustainably improve the structure in weakened regions. Ministry of Economy relies on the joint task of not only compensating for locational disadvantages through targeted funding, but also securing jobs and ensuring prosperity in these regions.