Investitionsgipfel: „Ich will euer Geld“: Bundesregierung buhlt um Investoren – Amazon sagt 16 Milliarden Euro zu

Friedrich Merz (CDU) took the stage, immediately addressing clichés. He criticized Germans for being punctual, early risers, and sunbathers before breakfast. Merz claimed that Germans are, in fact, what investors desire most. This was the day for the Investment Summit, where around 200 investors gathered at the ESMT-Hochschule in Berlin-Mitte.

This was the first of its kind in Germany. Merz highlighted the benefits Germany offers: "Renovating, scaling, and accelerating." He emphasized the potential of the German middle class as "hidden champions." The government has launched a "comprehensive agenda" featuring large-scale investments, tax relief, and a strengthened capital market.

However, the Chancellor admitted Germany still needs to improve. "Yes, we have our challenges," he stated. The summit featured small talk rounds between government officials and investors. Various federal ministers sat with representatives from financial institutions and business owners in different discussion rooms at the university.

They also led workshops to exchange experiences regarding investment conditions in Germany. Topics included investment opportunities in eight sectors: AI and Digital, Energy, Transport and Logistics, Construction, Defence, Space, Administrative Modernization, and Public-Private Partnerships. "I want your money," quipped Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) before his workshop.

The extent of new investment agreements at the conference remains to be seen. Economic Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) noted that private investors have already announced €228 billion in investments in Germany this year, including only major investments of €100 million or more. Amazon, one of the major projects, announced plans to invest over €16 billion in Germany.

This includes €4.8 billion for the expansion of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Frankfurt, supporting cloud and AI applications. Additionally, Amazon plans to open a second research laboratory for robotics and artificial intelligence in Berlin. The company will also undertake activities related to satellite internet, Amazon Leo, and over 15 Prime Video productions.

Amazon currently employs over 40,000 full-time employees in Germany, with plans to create more than 3,000 additional jobs through new logistics projects.