Statement by EES President Dr Ingo Friedrich, June 30th, 2026

What Germany Needs Now: Fostering Excellence and Inspiring Role Models

"China" is the name of the colossal economic challenge of our time. If we fail to respond to this challenge with full force and great wisdom, the very foundations of prosperity in Germany and Europe are at risk. Naturally, this primarily concerns policymakers—who must steer the course toward competitiveness in this situation—but it is not limited to them. No, our entire society is called upon in our current situation! Our collective mindset is no longer right! We have become too complacent. Seventy years of prosperity have lulled our innovative capabilities to sleep. We wrap our children in “cotton wool” to spare them from disappointments—disappointments that will inevitably come later anyway. There are no award ceremonies at youth sports events, so that the less high-performing participants aren't disappointed. What a misjudgment! With such a fundamental mindset, we are deliberately driving our economy into the ground.

On the contrary, what we need today is not to lower our sights, but to aim high. We need entrepreneurs and shining role models whom young people can emulate. It works in football, after all! Our young people should reach for the stars—"think big"—rather than asking primarily whether their pensions are secure. Where is the pioneering spirit of years gone by? Where are the great goals? Instead, fear and envy are rife. The prevailing attitude is one of redistribution rather than achieving something new and great ourselves. How wrong—and how dangerous—that is. Must we first experience real hunger and suffering again to be reminded of what age-old wisdom has always known: No pain, no gain! Greece introduced a six-day workweek (!), and now its finances and economy are on the upswing!

Yes, in the current situation, we need to foster the gifted so that, in their wake, we can move forward for the benefit of everyone. Fostering excellence and determination benefits everyone—including the less gifted—because it gives rise to new and powerful developments. Above-average performance is now in demand—indeed, essential—and deserves above-average recognition. Let us celebrate the success of outstanding individuals and great entrepreneurs, and view them as role models for all. Fear and envy have never been good counselors.

Germany is not yet lost and still has every opportunity, but the window of time for the possible and necessary reorientation of our thinking is not unlimited.

Dr. Ingo Friedrich