New head for the German Steel and Metal Processing Association (WSM): Ulrich Flatken, previously Vice President, has succeeded Hubert Schmidt. Christian von der Crone will take over the deputy position. The two are taking office in the hot phase of the EU election campaign, but lack political commitment.
“Why is the election campaign so boring? The parties are not active and are not making any statements. The typical German SME sector is being totally neglected in Brussels anyway. How are they going to achieve an EU policy that helps our SMEs?” criticizes Flatken. “We urgently need more steam.” 
© Wirtschaftsverband Stahl- und Metallverarbeitung (WSM)
Election campaign becomes a side issue – missed opportunity
His deputy Christian von der Crone also wants clear demands: “We need an EU agenda that promotes European competitiveness. No new reporting obligations and a reliable focus on industry. Politicians must communicate this.” According to the WSM Executive Committee, the lack of presence in the election campaign affects all parties: “The EU elections are becoming a side issue – that’s a missed opportunity!”
WSM calls for a brilliant final spurt
Future industrial competitiveness is a priority for the new WSM Executive Committee. Both are experienced entrepreneurs: Flatken is managing partner of the Mecanindus-Vogelsang Group, while von der Crone heads FR. u. H. Lüling GmbH & Co KG. They are now demanding a brilliant final spurt from the parties. They should show presence and communicate goals. “People vote because they want to help shape things. But they can’t do that if they don’t know the content. So they don’t vote,” fears Ulrich Flatken. “All politicians must make it clear what their EU candidacy stands for. This is the only way to achieve an industrial policy that helps voters and employees,” adds Christian von der Crone. Web: wws.wsm-net.de
