On the export figures for the German automation industry: "2018 was a strong export year for German automation companies - despite all the turbulence on the European and international political stage," says Kegel. Exports by region once again show that the European domestic market is the most important customer for German automation companies at 48%, followed by China at 15%. Exports to the EU increased once again compared to 2017 - especially to the EU, with 8.7% more exports compared to the previous year. "This shows that the European single market is and remains important. In the election year 2019, it is now important to stand together and strengthen Europe despite Brexit. We must now focus on shaping the digital union in the age of digitalization. The right framework conditions must be created quickly in Europe for this," says Kegel. "We also need a new strategic European industrial policy that focuses on strengthening international competitiveness in a coherent and market-open manner. The ZVEI is committed to the creation of a European Digital Union with the same rules of the game throughout Europe."