How does Elschukom benefit from the EU as a company?

As an entrepreneur, I naturally benefit from the single market and the single currency. At the same time, however, the increasing bureaucracy is causing us a lot of problems.

What does Europe need to do now to remain fit for the future?

A united EU is the only chance for European countries to survive in global competition with countries such as China or the USA. Each country on its own is simply too small for this. That is why Europe must act as a single economic entity. Incidentally, this is the only way we can advance climate protection - because we also need a strong and economically successful EU for this.

So - despite all the bureaucracy in Brussels - you are not an EU sceptic?

Not at all. I am completely in favour of the EU!

But you are not entirely satisfied either. What do you think should change in the EU?

I would like to see more people in charge who understand their business. They should be willing to compromise and pull together - because it is not about ideologies, but about solutions. Today, we have many politicians in the EU who are not experts. This is not exactly helpful when it comes to the many challenges we are currently facing. Specifically, I would like to see a reduction in bureaucracy. Laws should be checked for feasibility before they are passed. And after their introduction, their effectiveness should be evaluated. The aim must be to prevent additional work caused by new laws as far as possible.

Can you influence this at all as a company?

No, because as Elschukom we are simply too small for that. That is why I am involved in the ZVEI as Chairwoman of the Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia regional office and as a member of the ZVEI Board.

How does the EU simplify your everyday life personally?

As a citizen, for example, I can simply travel - like the other day with my mum: we were in Belgium and did not have to cross a border or exchange money. We only realised that we were in another country by looking at the road signs.