Bridging Business and Politics

Frankfurt am Main / Berlin, August 4, 2026 – GFU Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH and ZVEI are establishing a new economic policy format at IFA, the leading trade show and global platform for consumer technology: the IFA Leaders & Policy Dialogue brings decision-makers from the home and consumer tech industry together with high-ranking representatives of national and European politics. Participants will discuss industrial policy requirements in light of intensifying global competition. The focus will be on how to set the right course for fair, appropriate market conditions and economic growth in the European single market.

The products of the home and consumer tech industry shape the everyday lives of billions of people worldwide and make a measurable contribution to energy and resource efficiency in private households. With more than 450 million consumers, the EU single market is one of the most important sales markets worldwide and, with a gross domestic product of around USD 20.0 trillion (EU-27, forecast for 2025/2026), represents the second-largest economy in the world. Here, the home and consumer tech industry, with its development, manufacturing and sales locations, is a key driver of growth and innovation in Europe.

Regulatory overcomplexity poses significant challenges for the industry – a major obstacle, especially in times of global crises. In addition to the widely demanded reduction of bureaucracy, the EU single market must now be further expanded and harmonized. There is also a need for a level playing field in competition with China.

Against this backdrop, the newly created IFA Leaders & Policy Dialogue will take place on September 7, 2026, as part of IFA in Berlin. Participation is by invitation from the organizers.