Strongest business closures in almost 20 years - German businesses face difficulties
187,744 companies in Germany closed down last year, the highest number of closures in almost 20 years. This is an increase of almost 10% compared to the previous year. These are the data of the annual joint analysis by the economic information agency Creditreform and the Leibniz Center for European Economic Research (ZEW) in Mannheim.
According to the analysis, the dynamics of the crisis are now spreading to all areas, including gastronomy and the healthcare sector. And unlike in previous years, even companies that are, in fact, economically sound and stable are now ceasing their activities.
The analysis states that the strongest increase in the number of business closures was recorded in the gastronomy and hospitality sector. In 2025, around 15,000 restaurants, cafes and accommodation enterprises closed their activities, which is 15% more compared to 2024.
Since January 1, 2026, a reduced VAT rate of 7% has been applied to food in German gastronomy. But "the reduction in VAT to support the sector compared to other branches seems to have failed to alleviate the difficult situation in this sector," the analysis states.
In the health sector, the negative trend that has been observed for about ten years continued: the number of business closures in this field reached about 11,000 cases, and is now about twice as high as in 2008.
Last year alone, approximately 5,500 medical clinics closed their operations, about 23% more than in 2024. Often the reason is that doctors retire and cannot find someone to take over and continue running their clinic.
In the industrial sector, around 11,000 enterprises ceased their activity, which means 10% more closures compared to a year ago.
Albpetrol oil production: 4-month period/ The state-owned company produced about 21 thousand tons, Gorisht-Kocul leads
About 21 thousand tons of oil were produced by the state-owned company Albpetrol during the first 4 months of this year. Data published by the company itself......
Eye check before starting school - Topi: Screening should be done at an early age
As the start of the new school year approaches, children's health checkups take on special importance. Among them is a visit to the ophthalmologist, as......
Where is the most fruit produced in Albania? From Korça, to Lushnja and Elbasan. Here are the municipalities that lead
Fruit production constitutes one of the most important categories of the agricultural sector, accounting for a significant share in domestic production and......
More claims for insurance companies - AMF: They increased by 12% in 7 months. Bonus-malus affected motor products
The insurance market in Albania has continued to expand during the first seven months of the year, but behind this performance lie several factors that have......
Customs strengthens control over excise products/ Fiscal stamps with unique digital identifier
The General Directorate of Customs held a meeting with representatives of ALBTrace CO sh.a. and economic operators from the tobacco, alcoholic beverages and......
Where in Europe can you vacation for less than 100 euros? British agency lists Tirana as the cheapest alternative
Tirana has been ranked as the most economical destination in Europe for a city break, according to an analysis published by Thomas Cook, a well-known British......
The fire in Dajt continues to be active - MoD: 382 forces on the ground to deal with the flames across the country
Over the last 24 hours, 35 fires have been reported in the country's territory, of which 5 remain active and 3 are under control, the Ministry of Defense......
Significant decline in the foreign exchange market - Dollar and European currencies weaken
The US dollar has not managed to recover from the continuous decline it has described throughout this week, losing points again this morning compared to......
