Greens demand more responsibility for East German chemistry - Dow Jones Chemical to shut plants in Germany by 2027 amid industry crisis
Dow Jones Chemical has announced plans to close parts of its plants in Schkopau and Böhlen by the end of 2027. The decision has sparked criticism from the Green Party, which is pushing for stronger commitments from both the company and policymakers. Employer groups and unions are now preparing to present urgent demands to the federal government at an upcoming summit.
The upcoming Ostdeutsche Chemie-Konferenz in Böhlen, near Leipzig, will see employer associations and unions submit five key demands to the federal government on December 15, 2024. Their goal is to protect chemical industry jobs and sites in eastern Germany. Among the proposals are calls for competitive energy prices and faster approval processes, though the full list remains undisclosed.
The closure of Dow's facilities in Schkopau and Böhlen by 2027 will put jobs and local industry at risk. The upcoming summit aims to push the government into action with concrete measures. Whether these demands will lead to policy changes or corporate concessions remains to be seen.
