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Coca-Cola CEO slams Germany’s red tape as a threat to business growth

Even moving a fence takes months in Germany. A top executive reveals how slow approvals drain resources—and why firms are losing patience.

In this image we can see a bottle which is on table is of brand port brewing.
In this image we can see a bottle which is on table is of brand port brewing.

Coca-Cola Complains About Location Conditions in Germany - Coca-Cola CEO slams Germany’s red tape as a threat to business growth

John Galvin, CEO of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) in Germany, has spoken out about the country’s difficult business climate. He described excessive red tape and slow procedures as major obstacles for companies. His comments come as the German government pushes ahead with plans to cut bureaucracy by up to 35% for smaller firms by 2030.

Galvin highlighted how even small projects face long delays. Tasks like moving a fence or trimming trees on factory land often require approval from multiple agencies. He argued that such inefficiencies waste time and discourage investment, leaving businesses less competitive.

The government’s target of cutting bureaucracy by 2030 aims to make Germany more attractive for businesses. CCEP’s decision to stay signals confidence in long-term reforms. But for now, companies continue to face delays that slow down investment and daily operations.

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