bvdm calls for improvement of relief programs for the print and media industry

The high electricity and gas prices are increasingly posing an existential threat to the predominantly small and medium-sized companies in the print and media industry. They are not on the so-called KUEBLL list and therefore do not benefit from the current Energy Cost Reduction Program (EDKP). For this reason, the bvdm has contacted the Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, Dr. Robert Habeck, directly and is continuing to campaign for the group of companies eligible for the energy cost reduction program to be extended to include companies in the print and media industry. We call for substantial cushioning of the energy cost burden on businesses that goes beyond measures to provide short-term liquidity, such as KfW loans. Without government assistance in the form of relief, not only are numerous jobs and training positions in the print value chain at risk, but also the security of supply for the population with critical infrastructure products, such as the printed press, paper products for government and administration (e.g. banknotes, ID cards, ballot papers) and packaging materials for the health and food sectors.

Back in April, the bvdm therefore joined forces with the paper industry and publishers' associations to approach the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the German Federal Network Agency and urged that companies in the print value chain be classified as indispensable parts of the critical infrastructure.