Workers' safety from ionizing radiation threats is a topic up for discussion, with the Commission being requested to draft a directive for such protection.

In a significant move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Social Minister Barbara Bas have agreed on a common goal to address the country's economic challenges. The two leaders had a reconciliatory dinner the day before the coalition committee, marking a step towards unity.

The German automotive industry, including manufacturers and the supply industry, is currently facing struggles. In response, Merz plans to convene an industry political dialogue about the future of the sector. The coalition partners are determined to prevent the industry from being left to China or other markets.

The Union and SPD have announced their intention to close a 30 billion euro gap in the 2027 federal budget. To achieve this, they are considering higher taxes, including reforms to inheritance tax and increased top and wealth tax rates. They also call on all ministries to submit substantial consolidation proposals, including possible cuts and changes to existing laws and entitlements.

However, the participants of the meeting did not present a list of concrete projects and a timeline for their implementation. The question of how to plug the 30 billion hole in the federal budget of 2027 remains unanswered.

The coalition must present a comprehensive package as soon as possible to answer this question. Left-wing faction leader Heidi Reichinnek has accused the coalition of being clueless about how to plug the foreseeable massive holes in the budgets.

In an effort to boost the German economy, particularly the industrial sector, Merz is counting on a reform of the citizen's income. He believes the benefit will become the "new basic security" and wants to better control misuse. Bas, who has prepared a reform for this, has stated that if 100,000 more people are brought into work, one to two billion euros can be saved.

In addition, Merz is planning a summit with steel industry producers and employee representatives to discuss maintaining steel production in Germany long term. The coalition partners are focusing on these types of initiatives to revitalise the economy.

CSU leader Markus Söder, after the meeting of the coalition committee, expressed his desire for a "new autumn strength after the summer depression." Finance Minister Klingbeil also avoids night-long coalition meetings and public disputes, instead focusing on negotiations that are not a test of strength.

Merz and Bas have emphasised shared goals, including a reform of the citizen's income. Further consultations of the four party chairpersons are planned to discuss this reform in detail. The leaders of the Union and SPD have stated their intention to initiate social reforms and set the course for an economic recovery in Germany by autumn.