KfW to Focus on Strengthening Germany's Competitiveness in 2025
German development bank KfW announced its intention to focus on enhancing Germany's economic competitiveness in 2025. The bank plans to allocate at least EUR 500 million of its own funds for domestic promotional activities.
KfW, Germany's state-owned development bank, will intensify its focus on bolstering the competitiveness of the German economy in 2025. The bank intends to leverage its own financial strength to achieve this objective.
According to Chief Executive Officer Stefan Wintels, KfW will more closely scrutinize its activities to ensure they provide impetus for Germany's competitiveness. The bank plans to deploy at least EUR 500 million of its own funds for domestic promotional measures, marking the highest level in over a decade. Funding is specifically targeted towards digitalization, innovation, strengthening Germany's role as a financial hub, and expanding energy and other infrastructure.
Wintels highlighted the need to improve Germany's economic operating environment through increased investment, reduced red tape, and enhanced regulatory and tax conditions. He noted that while Germany remains strong in patent applications, the country is losing global market share.
Climate protection efforts will continue to be a central priority for KfW. Since 2017, the bank has committed approximately EUR 350 billion to climate action and environmental protection financing. In 2024, KfW's new business volume reached EUR 112.8 billion, close to the previous year's level. Internationally, the bank financed exports and projects amounting to EUR 23.9 billion.