Throughout 2007, the VDE continued to reinforce its position as a hub of expertise and influence that is vitally important for securing Germany’s long-term global competitiveness. With its impressive number and broad spectrum of conferences, seminars, forums, standardization efforts, congresses, position papers, publications and other events, the VDE gave vital impulses in the fields of energy, communications, healthcare and mobility. Our 34,000 members in all industries and disciplines – including 1,250 companies in the fields of electrical engineering and information technology, some 7,000 students and over 4,000 young professionals – were served by 700 VDE employees and 29 local associations throughout Germany. It is a powerful and highly effective partnership and network – and we can be proud of our accomplishments for the year.