Commercial Law 2025: Coalition Agreement Changes | IT-Medienrecht

Learn about the 2025 Coalition Agreement's commercial law changes for companies, self-employed & investors. Discover reforms in tax, corporate & business…

The 2025 coalition agreement of the (presumably) new federal government, led by the CDU/CSU and SPD, outlines extensive plans in commercial and business law. This article systematically summarizes and legally classifies the most important innovations and reforms relating to companies, the self-employed, and investors.

Our focus will be on key areas such as tax, company, contract, and competition law. Additionally, we will examine initiatives for promoting start-ups and SMEs, digitalizing administration and digital business models, investment and funding programs, as well as EU-related and state policy initiatives. These changes aim to shape Germany's economic future.

Tax Law Changes for Companies and Investors

Degressive Depreciation and Reduction in Corporation Tax

Companies are set to benefit from an “investment booster”. A special declining balance depreciation of 30% will be introduced for purchases made in 2025, 2026, and 2027. This enables faster depreciation of investments in machinery and equipment, acting as a tax incentive similar to turbo depreciation.

Additionally, the corporation tax rate will be gradually reduced by a total of 5 percentage points from 2028, in five annual steps of 1 percentage point each. This measure will reduce the nominal corporation tax rate from the current 15% each year from 2028, aiming to bring the total tax burden (including trade tax) from approximately 30% closer to 25% in the long term. This relief is intended to increase the international competitiveness of German companies.

Option Model and Preferential Treatment of Retained Earnings

Many medium-sized companies are not corporations but are taxed transparently (income tax). To achieve neutrality in terms of legal form, the option model in accordance with Section 1a KStG, which allows commercial partnerships to be taxed like a corporation, is to be significantly improved.

The preferential treatment of retained earnings under Section 34a EStG will also be reformed. This preferential treatment currently allows sole proprietorships and partnerships to tax profits that are not withdrawn at a low tax rate. The plan is to make both instruments simpler and more attractive, ensuring that retained profits and reinvested profits are tax-privileged and not eroded by high income tax.

This reform will also allow partnerships and sole traders to benefit more from the reductions in corporation tax. Furthermore, it is being examined whether newly founded companies can fall within the scope of corporation tax from 2027, regardless of their legal form. This review points to a possible future automatic option for newly founded companies to be taxed like corporations from the outset.

Relief on Electricity Tax and Energy Taxes

To reduce energy costs for the economy, electricity tax will be reduced to the EU minimum. A reduction of at least 5 Ct/kWh is planned by lowering the electricity tax “as quickly as possible” to the lowest rate permitted under European law. This will particularly relieve the burden on energy-intensive companies and strengthen the competitiveness of the industrial location.

Certain levies and grid fees are also to be reduced, including the agreed abolition of the national gas storage levy. Overall, these measures will result in noticeable cost reductions for companies in energy-intensive sectors.

Relief for Small and Medium Incomes

Although not a primary focus for companies, income tax for small and medium-sized incomes is to be reduced in the middle of the legislative period as part of a broad-based tax reform. This will indirectly benefit owners of small businesses and partnerships who pay income tax on their profits.

However, the solidarity surcharge will remain unchanged. A complete abolition, which was desirable from the perspective of many entrepreneurs, is therefore not part of the agreement.

Trade Tax and Municipalities

There are no fundamental changes to the trade tax itself, as municipalities retain sovereignty over the assessment rates. However, the agreement notes that low assessment rates can attract companies. The aim is to prevent municipalities with low tax revenues from suffering financial disadvantages as a result.

The plan is to support municipalities that deliberately choose a low trade tax rate for competitive reasons. This detail highlights the link between federal and municipal tax policy, potentially via the municipal financial equalization system, without explicitly mentioning a specific federal law.

Research Allowance and Other Tax Incentives

To promote innovation, the research tax allowance will be significantly expanded, with a substantial increase in the funding rate and assessment basis, and simplified procedures. This boosts tax incentives for R&D expenditure by companies, as the research allowance under the Research Allowance Act (FZulG), previously capped, will be relaxed.

Furthermore, overtime pay and extended working life in the employee sector are to be taxed more favorably. This includes a new tax incentive to extend working hours for skilled workers. Such measures indirectly impact the availability of labor for companies. Overall, the coalition is relying on tax relief and investment incentives to stimulate growth.

A notable upcoming change is the e-invoicing obligation from 2025, which specifies new requirements for businesses.

Stock Corporation Law on Defective Resolutions

The coalition paper provides for a reform of the law on defective resolutions under stock corporation law. This concerns the contestation and nullity of resolutions passed at general meetings (Sections 241 et seq. AktG). The reform aims to strengthen legal certainty and the competitiveness of the business location, while also curbing opportunities for abuse.

Specifically, it is assumed that the legal requirements for challenging resolutions passed at general meetings (often used by shareholder minorities to block resolutions or force delays) will be tightened, and procedures accelerated. For stock corporations and investors, this is likely to mean less legal uncertainty regarding corporate decisions, as abusive avoidance actions will be made more difficult.

This change requires an amendment to the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), particularly Sections 243 et seq. AktG, for example, to set clearer deadlines, establish filters for the right to sue, or impose higher requirements for presenting legal violations.

New Legal Form “Asset-Locked Company” and Cooperative Law

Another innovative step is the planned introduction of a new independent legal form: the “asset-locked company”. This is a company model where assets are permanently dedicated to a specific purpose and cannot be distributed to shareholders (asset lock principle).

The coalition highlights the characteristics of an independent asset lock and membership participation, without special tax privileges or discrimination. This model appears aimed at socio-ecological companies or purpose companies that wish to reinvest their profits rather than distribute them to external shareholders. The legal form intends to offer an alternative to the classic GmbH, foundation, or cooperative. Its introduction requires a new legal framework, presumably a separate law or an addition to GmbH law, as it is intended to stand “independently” alongside existing forms.

Concurrently, the law governing cooperatives is to be modernized. Cooperatives (registered cooperatives under the GenG) are important for SMEs and social enterprises. Modernization could simplify establishing a cooperative, raising capital, or undergoing audits. Rigid rules may be relaxed to make cooperatives more attractive without losing their democratic nature.

Strengthening the Liberal Professions

Although not classic company law, the agreement text explicitly strengthens the self-administration of the liberal professions and their pension schemes. This underscores the coalition’s intent to retain the chamber structure and autonomy of lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, and similar professions. This includes planned changes such as the reform of the pension obligation for the self-employed and the status determination procedure for bogus self-employment, aiming to create more clarity as to who can be considered self-employed.

Overall, companies should be able to operate within suitable legal structures. This will be achieved through more efficient stock corporation law procedures, new hybrid company forms with tied assets, and continued strong cooperatives and liberal professions. These measures aim to make the legal framework more modern and flexible while preserving proven principles such as co-determination, membership rights, and asset retention.

Contract Law and Consumer Protection: GTC Reform, Property Development Contracts, Ticketing

Reform of the Law on General Terms and Conditions Among Companies

The coalition plans to specifically reform the law on general terms and conditions (GTC). Currently, GTC clauses can be invalid even between companies (B2B) if they unreasonably disadvantage the other contractual party (Sections 305 et seq. BGB generally apply to contracts between companies, albeit with a somewhat more generous standard). In the future, large corporations within the meaning of Section 267 (3) of the German Commercial Code (HGB), which conclude contracts among themselves with general terms and conditions, are to be granted more contractual freedom.

Simplified, large companies should be able to rely on their GTC agreements, concluded within the scope of private autonomy, being recognized by the courts. This would significantly strengthen contractual freedom in business transactions. Legally, this would likely amount to a restriction of the control of general terms and conditions in the B2B sector. This could involve amending Section 310 of the German Civil Code (which provides for exceptions) or introducing a new threshold value.

If two “large corporations” enter into a contract, the content of the contractual clauses would no longer be subject to review. This would make it easier to enforce extensive contractual risk transfers, liability limitations, and similar provisions between such companies, improving legal certainty in business transactions and potentially making Germany more attractive as a contract location.

Property Developer Contract Law – Protection Against Property Developer Insolvencies

In the real estate and construction sector, the coalition wants to examine how consumers can be better protected against developer insolvency when purchasing real estate. Currently, property development contracts are often based on Section 650u of the German Civil Code (BGB), with payments made according to construction progress and a 5% security retained. However, if a property developer goes bankrupt, purchasers face loss and unfinished properties.

Possible approaches by the coalition include insolvency protection models, such as fiduciary management of advance payments, completion insurance, or the extension of statutory guarantee obligations. Specific standards were not mentioned, but adjustments to the Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance (MaBV) or the German Civil Code (BGB) are conceivable. For consumers, this would mean more confidence when buying off-plan, while for property developers, it might entail increased requirements (which reputable providers often fulfill anyway).

Regulation of the Secondary Ticket Market

Another advancement in consumer protection law is the planned stricter regulation of the secondary ticket market (resale of tickets). Through so-called “ticket touting” and online exchanges, consumers often pay extreme prices and sometimes fall victim to fraud. The coalition aims to curb extortionate prices, a lack of transparency, and unfair practices in ticket resales.

Planned measures include price caps for resales, transparency obligations regarding the original price and identity of the seller, and a notice-and-takedown obligation for platforms in the event of false information. This means ticket exchanges would have to immediately remove reported false information (e.g., manipulated prices or incorrect ticket categories). Organizers should be better able to act against ticket speculators.

Legally, this will likely result in an amendment to the Unfair Competition Act (UWG) or special provisions in the Trade Regulation Act. Resales are already restricted in the general terms and conditions of some event organizers; in the future, legal barriers could be drawn. This increases consumer protection and the chances of obtaining tickets at the original price, while making speculative transactions less attractive.

General Consumer Protection and Contract Confirmation

In addition, consumer protection is to be comprehensively strengthened. An important concrete innovation is the introduction of a general confirmation solution for continuing obligations initiated by telephone. This means that if, for example, an energy contract or magazine subscription is concluded over the phone, it should only become effective if the consumer subsequently confirms the contract again, for example in writing or by clicking. This protects against fraudulent contracts through telephone advertising.

Germany also wants to work at EU level to close protection gaps in digital consumer law and make digital services consumer-friendly by design. Keywords include pre-set data protection friendliness and transparent algorithms for product searches. The 2021 debt collection reform will also be evaluated, and any remaining abuse by debt collection companies will be combated, for instance, to curb excessive debt collection fees.

These contract and consumer law measures strengthen contractual freedom between professional companies, while providing more protection for consumers in sensitive areas such as real estate purchases, ticket purchases, and telephone advertising. Companies should pay close attention to the reform of general terms and conditions, as a considerable easing of B2B business is on the horizon. Consumer-related sectors (property developers, event organizers, debt collection), on the other hand, must be prepared for additional regulations.

Competition Law: Faster, More Effective, and Suitable for Europe

More Efficient Antitrust Proceedings and Digital Markets Act

The coalition agreement emphasizes that fair competition is constitutive for the social market economy and therefore announces the further development of competition and antitrust law. Specifically, antitrust proceedings are to be accelerated and made more efficient to provide companies with legal clarity more quickly. This presumably includes strengthening the staff of the Federal Cartel Office and procedural reforms, such as in review proceedings.

Effective enforcement of the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) will also be supported. The DMA has been in force since 2023 and regulates large digital gatekeeper platforms. The coalition wants to ensure that the responsible authorities (primarily the EU Commission, possibly the German Federal Cartel Office as the national arm) take swift and effective action against the abuse of market power in the digital market.

For big tech companies, this means a clear statement that Germany supports strict control. For start-ups and SMEs, it offers the opportunity for fairer competitive conditions compared to large platform providers.

European Sovereignty in Competition Law – Relaxing Merger Control

The signal to give greater weight to European sovereignty and security interests in competition law, particularly in merger control, is interesting. This is the coalition’s response to debates such as the failed Siemens-Alstom merger in 2019, which was prohibited by the EU Commission on competition grounds, even though it seemed necessary from a German/French perspective to form a European champion against Asian competition.

The German government wants global competitiveness and Europe’s strategic interests to be given greater consideration in EU merger reviews in the future. This may mean that Brussels pushes for more flexibility in the Merger Regulation or politically wants to allow more exemptions for strategic mergers. The establishment of an expert commission on “Competition and Artificial Intelligence” at the Federal Ministry of Economics also fits in with this, likely examining how AI can be used for market surveillance or how new AI-driven business models should be regulated without distorting competition.

Update of the ARC (“ARC XII”?)

The previous government had already introduced digital economy antitrust law instruments with the 2021 (“GWB10”) and 2023 (“GWB11”) amendments to the ARC, for example, Section 19a ARC against digital corporate power. A further amendment is now likely to follow to adapt national law to EU requirements (DMA, planned EU Digital Markets Regulation) and implement procedural accelerations.

The coalition explicitly talks about faster procedures and effective application of antitrust law. Companies can therefore expect shorter review times for mergers and more rigorous penalties for cartels.

No Tax Dumping in the Single Market

The commitment not to accept tax dumping and unfair tax competition in the EU is also worth mentioning. This is linked to competition law in the broader sense. The coalition wants to work towards ensuring that EU states do not create competitive advantages for themselves through extremely low corporate taxes, for example, by implementing minimum tax rates and the OECD minimum tax of 15% globally. For internationally operating companies, this could mean that tax avoidance models within the EU are further reduced.

The bottom line is that the coalition is signaling that competition law is being modernized and Europeanized. Fast procedures, strong enforcement (including against digital groups), and strategic foresight for European company mergers are to be considered together. Companies will have the opportunity to stop abuse by competitors with market power more quickly, but also the challenge of ensuring that their own mergers or antitrust violations are consistently pursued. The Federal Cartel Office is likely to become even more important and perhaps gain additional powers, especially in conjunction with EU regulations.

Supporting Start-ups and SMEs: Cutting Red Tape and Financing

One-Stop Store and Foundation in 24 Hours

A central concern is to make it easier to set up a company. The plan is to create a complete one-stop store that digitally bundles all official channels for founding a company on one platform, enabling a company to be founded within 24 hours. Notarial processes are to be simplified and digitized, including automatic data exchange between notaries, tax offices, and trade offices.

This initiative builds on the Online Access Act (OZG) but goes even further. Currently, founders often wait days or weeks for a commercial register entry or tax number. In the future, all of this should be completed in one day. This can only be achieved through digital notarization (online notary appointments, as already introduced to some extent with the Digitalization Directive Implementation Act (DiRUG)) and close integration of all registers and offices. Legally, this means numerous changes, from the GmbHG to the Commercial Register Ordinance, with the clear aim of transforming Germany into a country of start-ups.

“Start-up Protection Zone” and Reduction in Bureaucracy

A “start-up protection zone” is even being considered. This could mean that new companies bear fewer bureaucratic burdens in their first few years or experience leniency for minor infringements. For example, a moratorium on bureaucracy for start-ups would be possible, suspending audits or simplifying reporting obligations.

A concrete example in the agreement is statistical obligations. A moratorium on new statistical surveys is to apply for two years, and all existing statistical obligations are to be reviewed. This will significantly reduce the burden on smaller companies, which are often confronted with information forms, for example, from the Federal Statistical Office.

Relief for SMEs and the Skilled Trades

The focus is explicitly on SMEs, the skilled trades, and the solo self-employed. More flexible legal framework conditions, simpler procurement procedures, and faster approvals are intended to support these backbone industries. This includes the abolition of unnecessary written form requirements, particularly in employment law. For example, it should be possible to conclude fixed-term employment contracts without a handwritten signature (i.e., digitally) in the future.

To date, Section 14 (4) TzBfG requires the written form; this hurdle is to be removed. The administrative procedure will also be innovated: The fiction of approval (Section 42a VwVfG), according to which an application is deemed approved if the authority does not make a decision within the deadline, is to become the rule. In the future, it will always apply unless expressly excluded by law. This is a paradigm shift in German administrative law that will greatly increase planning and investment security. For many applications, companies can then rely on the green light automatically applying once the deadline has passed, instead of remaining in uncertainty.

Master Craftsman Examinations and Securing Skilled Workers

The permeability between vocational and academic education will be increased; master craftsmen will be able to study more easily, and trainees will receive better support. Accelerated work visas and recognition procedures for foreign skilled workers will address the shortage of skilled workers. Together with the federal states, the skilled worker strategy is to be expanded, for example, through uniform recognition procedures within 8 weeks for professional qualifications acquired abroad. This will benefit companies directly, as they will be able to recruit qualified personnel more quickly.

Business Succession and Start-up Support in the Skilled Crafts Sector

In the next few years, around 125,000 businesses in the skilled crafts sector will be handed over to successors. The coalition wants to facilitate business transfers and promote business start-ups in the skilled trades. This will presumably include advisory programs, financial support for those taking over businesses (e.g., guarantee banks), and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles for business takeovers.

In addition, the investment backlog in training facilities (master craftsman schools, inter-company training workshops) is to be reduced through reliable funding, an important point to maintain training quality.

Promoting Special Target Groups

The coalition also wants to specifically promote female founders (female start-ups). Existing programs such as the Female Founders Fund could be expanded. It also emphasizes that there should be support specifically for defence and security start-ups by opening up public funding to such technology-laden start-ups. Women and diverse founders are to be given more support to increase their entrepreneurial potential.

In summary, the CDU/SPD coalition agreement sets clear priorities for a start-up-friendly climate. Reducing bureaucracy, digitizing procedures, and financial incentives are intended to noticeably relieve the burden on start-ups and SMEs. For start-ups and SMEs, this means fewer forms, faster administrative procedures (often no more physical ones), and better financing options. At the same time, investments will be made in education and skilled workers to ensure enough qualified employees for growth.

Digital State and Once-Only Principle

A major focus is on the digitalization of administration. The goal is a forward-looking, networked, efficient, and user-centered state that thinks “digital first”. Specifically, federal, state, and local authorities should implement the once-only principle. This means citizens and companies only have to enter certain data once, and the authorities then use it together without media discontinuity.

This principle avoids redundant applications. For example, a company with a tax ID would not have to enter the same information again at the trade office. Legal changes are necessary, for instance, in the Federal Data Protection Act and various specialist laws, to allow data exchange, but the direction is clear.

Digital Identity and Secure Infrastructures

The coalition wants to establish a citizen-friendly digital identity. The Germany ID and the European E-ID (EUDI wallet) are mentioned. This should make it even easier to interact with authorities digitally by enabling clear and secure online identification. Investments are also being made in cloud infrastructures, networks, and data centers to ensure digital sovereignty.

A German Administration Portal (DVP) with sovereign standards is to be created to ensure data exchange and security. This also includes protection against cyber attacks, which is important for companies that entrust their data to the administration. This initiative aligns with increasing demands for secure infrastructures, like those outlined in NIS2 compliance.

Open Source and Digital Sovereignty

At a technical level, the government is promoting open source software and open standards. A Center for Digital Sovereignty (ZenDiS) and a Federal Agency for Leap Innovations (SPRIND) will be strategically aligned to advance key technologies in the digital sector. For companies, this potentially means more state-supported innovation projects and open platforms that they can use. The opening of interfaces in e-government will also enable start-ups to build on administrative data and offer new services (keyword GovTech).

Legal Framework for AI, Data, and New Business Models

The coalition sees key digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, robotics, ICT, photonics, and nanoelectronics as central to the transformation. An AI offensive is being launched, including a “100,000-GPU program (AI Gigafactory)” to provide massive computing power for AI in Germany. From a legal perspective, the aim is to examine how liability rules need to be adapted with regard to AI at EU level. This means the government is thinking ahead about how product liability or traffic liability, for example, should apply when AI systems make decisions (e.g., autonomous driving, medical AI). The focus here is on EU initiatives (such as the draft AI liability directive), which Germany wants to actively support.

Data protection and data use also remain crucial. Digital offerings should be consumer-friendly and data protection-friendly “by design” and “by default.” Companies must therefore be prepared for regulation that prescribes privacy-friendly default settings, in line with the EU General Data Protection Regulation and initiatives like the ePrivacy Regulation. At the same time, the coalition wants to promote data spaces so that data can be better shared and used (keyword data pooling, data trusteeship). It’s about striking a balance: data access for innovation versus data protection.

Digital Business Models in the Financial Sector

FinTechs and crypto companies are also taken into account. The regulation of crypto assets, the gray capital market, and shadow banks will be reviewed for loopholes and tightened if necessary. Following experiences with crypto exchanges and assets (e.g., insolvencies, cases of fraud), the aim is to ensure that investors are protected and that there are no regulatory loopholes. This is likely to mean changes to the Crypto Asset Transfer Act (KryptoTG), the Securities Trading Act, and supervision (BaFin powers). This could affect blockchain startups and other FinTechs. At the same time, innovation should not be stifled, a difficult balancing act, but one that the coalition wants to master with a view to international competitiveness.

In summary, the digital state should become a reality: efficient eGovernment processes, a digital identity, as well as clear rules for future technologies such as AI and crypto. This creates opportunities for companies (easier dealings with authorities, new business models in the GovTech sector) and clear guardrails (AI liability, data protection “by design,” stricter crypto rules).

It is important that implementation takes place quickly. The coalition agreement specifically states, for example, that a commission should draw up proposals by Q4 2025 on how planning and approval procedures can be digitalized and made less bureaucratic.

Investment and Funding Programs: Germany Fund and Future Capital

Germany Fund – 100 Billion for Growth

A highlight of the coalition agreement is the establishment of a “Germany Fund” as a central investment and participation instrument. As an umbrella fund, this fund is intended to bundle private and state financing power. The plan is for the federal government to provide €10 billion in own funds (guarantees or financing) and thus mobilize at least €100 billion in investment capital via a leverage effect.

The focus is on venture and growth capital for SMEs and scale-ups, specifically later rounds of financing so that start-ups can remain and grow in Germany. Decisions will be made according to entrepreneurial criteria, meaning the fund will be professionally managed with an investment focus on Germany. Interestingly, the model is intended to be a blueprint for similar funds in the federal states, allowing federal states to set up their own regional funds. For innovative companies, this means more available capital for expansion, possibly comparable to the European Investment Fund, but with a national focus.

Future Fund and Venture Capital

The existing Future Fund (a fund for start-up financing with a volume of €10 billion by 2030) will be consolidated and expanded beyond 2030. The coalition explicitly mentions the WIN initiative (venture capital initiative) with a target of over €25 billion in investment, which is to be more than doubled. In addition, the entire start-up financing architecture is to be subjected to an “efficiency check,” meaning it will be examined whether the large number of existing programs (High-Tech Gründerfonds, KfW Capital, development banks of the federal states, etc.) are well interlinked or can be better bundled.

Another aspect is that the Solvency II amendment at EU level aims to make things easier for institutional investors, allowing insurance companies, for example, to invest more in infrastructure and venture capital. By lowering capital requirements (where possible under European law), billions of euros in private venture capital are to be mobilized. Furthermore, an additional national fund of funds (an “additive national capital pot”) is being considered, if possible. This directly relates to taking on investors in a startup.

Modernize Public Funding Programmes

The coalition wants to modernize funding rules and practices for industrial settlements and major projects, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Particularly in the case of major investments (e.g., construction of a chip plant), funding approvals are to be issued more quickly and require less paperwork. The funding programmes for the decarbonization of industry will also be continued and optimized. In the future, state funding should be linked to criteria such as location security. Companies that receive high subsidies should, for example, commit to not relocating in the short term.

Sector-Specific Initiatives

Some key industries are explicitly mentioned: Biotechnology is promoted as a key industry and facilitated in regulatory terms (especially with regard to new genomic techniques). This should help start-ups in the biotech sector, possibly through accelerated approval procedures for gene editing technologies or improved research conditions. The automotive industry is to continue to be supported, for example, through purchase incentives for e-mobility and the expansion of the charging infrastructure.

The agreement lists specific steps in this regard, including:

These measures combine tax incentives with direct support programs (e.g., for certain technologies or income groups via the EU Climate Social Fund). Investors in CleanTech and e-mobility can benefit from this, as both demand and infrastructure are supported.

Opening up to Security and Defense Technology

Public financing programs (such as KfW or state investment companies) should also be opened up to security and defense technology. Until now, such dual-use or defense start-ups were often excluded from funding programs. In the future, a drone or cybersecurity start-up, for example, should receive more support, which is considered necessary in view of the security policy situation.

As a result, the coalition agreement creates a comprehensive funding landscape. This ranges from early funding (start-ups, female founders) to growth and equity capital (Germany Fund, Future Fund) and sector transformation (automotive, energy, biotech). For companies and investors, this means better financing opportunities and predictable support for future-oriented projects. However, emphasis is also placed on efficiency, meaning programs may be bundled to avoid overlaps (keyword: efficiency check).

The coalition has a strong European approach to economic policy. Many of the measures mentioned refer to EU law or aim at exerting influence in Brussels:

Overall, the agreement underpins the fact that German economic policy is closely interlinked with EU policy. Companies must therefore not only keep an eye on German laws but also on upcoming EU requirements (AI regulation, data file, Green Deal laws, etc.), which the government wants to actively help shape. A positive aspect is that burdensome extras (such as additional quotas or unilateral action) are to be avoided, creating a level playing field within Europe. At the same time, the government is using the EU to introduce its own ideas, such as speeding up planning, at the European level.

State Policy Initiatives with Economic Relevance

Although it is a federal coalition agreement, it also addresses some points that affect the federal states or have to be implemented by them:

In short, the federal states play an important role in implementing many projects. The coalition is relying on cooperation with the federal states to push through economic reforms. This may include initiatives in the Bundesrat, for example, in the reform of general terms and conditions or in tax law, where the approval of the federal states is required. For companies, this means that some simplifications (e.g., faster building permits on site) will only come if the respective federal state agrees. On a positive note, however, is the intention not to bypass countries, but to involve them, for example, through joint working groups or the possibility of setting their own thresholds.

Fazit

The 2025 coalition agreement between the CDU/SPD marks a shift in economic policy towards relief, digitalization, and investment promotion. From a legal perspective, numerous legislative changes have been announced that directly affect companies, the self-employed, and investors. From tax reforms (significant depreciation benefits, gradual tax reductions, and option models) to innovations in company law (new legal form with tied assets, shareholder legal protection), adjustments to contract law (more private autonomy in B2B, consumer protection for telephone contracts and ticket purchases) to antitrust and competition law (faster procedures, consideration of European interests), the planned innovations are far-reaching.

For start-ups and SMEs, the abundance of bureaucracy reduction measures, including digital one-stop procedures, elimination of the written form, and fictitious approval, as well as the improved financing situation through the Germany Fund and an expanded Future Fund, are particularly noteworthy. This combination could genuinely remove many of the obstacles that were previously considered to be holding back the German economy.

Of course, these projects are subject to successful implementation. Many projects, especially in the area of digitalization, have been announced in the past without being fully implemented. The challenge will be to achieve ambitious goals, such as setting up a company in 24 hours, mobilizing a €100 billion fund volume, and establishing EU-wide coordinated procedures. Additionally, a number of legislative initiatives must be introduced in the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Some of these, like the tax package and bureaucracy relief, have already been announced for the first year of government.

From the perspective of companies and investors, it is worth keeping a close eye on further developments. Concrete draft laws, for example on the 2025 tax reform or on company law, are likely to be submitted for consultation with associations soon. Overall, however, the agreement shows that the new government wants to strengthen Germany as a business location through legal certainty, lower taxes, and more intelligent regulation. If implementation is successful, there could be noticeable simplifications in everyday business life in the coming years, from electronic and accelerated notary appointments to tax returns, from a boost in venture capital to a reduction in bureaucracy at all levels. The planned changes therefore represent a comprehensive modernization of commercial law that should position Germany ahead of the competition in Europe.