Editorial VDE Policy Brief
The start of the political year in 2026 is marked by far-reaching transformations – in technology, the economy and security policy. For the VDE, one thing is clear: progress requires reliability and clear priorities.
The federal modernisation agenda aimed at reducing bureaucracy is both right and important. However, safety-related standards must not come under general suspicion. In electrical engineering in particular, they protect human lives, ensure legal certainty and stabilise critical infrastructure. Anyone who cuts corners here risks undermining trust and causing economic damage.
The energy transition also presents us with enormous challenges. The expansion of distribution networks requires investments running into the hundreds of billions. Without efficiency measures and appropriate regulatory frameworks, the transformation will become unnecessarily expensive. Technical solutions for cost containment are available – now it is up to policymakers to enable their implementation.
At the same time, the security situation has deteriorated significantly. Technological sovereignty and resilient infrastructure have become key prerequisites for security. By establishing VDE Defense, the VDE is responding to this development. A particular challenge is the shortage of skilled workers: 83 per cent of master’s graduates in electrical and information technology do not hold a German passport; around half come from countries such as China and India and are not available for security-related projects. This makes it all the more important to attract more young people to technical degree programmes and to build up expertise within the country in a targeted manner.
The energy system is also undergoing radical change. The rapid expansion of photovoltaics, heat pumps and e-mobility is fundamentally altering requirements. Technically, much is possible – but the regulatory framework must keep pace to ensure security of supply and flexibility.
Technology policy today is a cross-cutting policy. It affects security, competitiveness and social stability in equal measure. The VDE actively contributes its expertise to these debates – in a solution-oriented and fact-based manner. The challenges are great, but manageable. The key lies in striking the right balance: between speed and diligence, innovation and safety, as well as openness and strategic sovereignty.
Markus B. Jaeger
VDE Global Head of Political Affairs
Head of VDE Defense
