For a strong Europe with common values

We are fans of Europe and are convinced that a united Europe is the key to peace, stability and sustainable progress. The European Union stands for values that also characterize our work at VAUDE - human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

2024 was a year of political decisions and challenges: The EU elections have strengthened the influence of right-wing populist movements. At the same time, the European Union is under pressure to make decisive progress on key issues for the future such as climate protection, social cohesion and economic stability. Crises such as Brexit, the financial crisis and the coronavirus crisis have already shown that Europe's strength lies in working together - not against each other.

That is why we are clearly committed to a democratic, united Europe. We support the EU in its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 with the Green Deal and are actively involved in political processes - such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) and the planned PFAS ban. For us, these initiatives are key levers for greater sustainability, transparency and consumer protection.

For VAUDE, the EU is not only an alliance of values, but also the most important sales market. We are committed to a strong European single market that is supported by the free movement of workers, fair competition and social equality. We see European immigration as an opportunity and a necessity, particularly in view of the shortage of skilled workers.

Europe is facing major challenges - from energy and climate policy to the defense of fundamental democratic values. Going it alone at national level is not a solution. We firmly believe that we can only tackle the major challenges of our time as a strong European community with shared responsibilities.

Democracy needs our voice

In a time of multiple crises, we are experiencing increasing social insecurity. Populist forces are gaining influence by fomenting mistrust of democratic institutions and elected representatives with supposedly simple solutions. Anti-economic and anti-European positions are also increasingly gaining a hearing as a result.

As a company, we bear responsibility - also for social cohesion. We clearly stand up for democratic values and raise our voice against agitation, division and anti-democratic tendencies. Our way of doing business is an expression of this attitude: cooperative, value-based and future-oriented.

We want to encourage people and companies alike to stand up for a strong, united Europe. For us, democracy, stability and sustainable economic success are inextricably linked.

Our strategy is clear: doing business with an eye toward the future! With ambitious goals, a focus on the circular economy, and political engagement, we are shaping this transformation—for an economy that considers future generations.