9. Podium Event on 9.9.2026 in Hamburg at the Mövenpick Hotel

Increasing compliance requirements in times of protectionism and stagnant growth. Will this turn out well for European SMEs?

In our panel discussion, we will connect the topics of Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Responsibility with the current political and economic situation and examine the challenges for companies from different perspectives. Free of charge for VERE members!

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Can SMEs stay competitive as regulation grows worldwide?

SMEs face more challenges than ever: new EU rules, rising compliance demands, global competition, cybersecurity, the circular economy and AI. The key question is: How can SMEs stay competitive without being overwhelmed by regulation?

Leading experts from government, industry, trade associations, academia and business will come together on 9 September from 09.30 to 18.00 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Hamburg to discuss these challenges.

Speakers will include, amongst others:

  • Christoph Petri (DIHK) – Regulation and competitiveness: balancing ecology and economy
  • Dr Justine Karoline Hafner (BMUKN) – The future of the ElektroG
  • Andreas Siegmund (BJV Hamburg) – Market surveillance in practice
  • Alexander Goldberg (ear Foundation) – European legislation & its impact on the enforcement of the ElektroG
  • Dr Bettina Sunderdiek (ZSVR) – PPWR and the new requirements of packaging law

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to other impactful topics such as:

  • Cybersecurity as the Key to the EU Market – Dr Benedikt Rohrßen (Taylor Wessing)
  • A level playing field in retail – Stephan Tromp (HDE)
  • From a throwaway society to a circular economy? – Olaf Dechow (OTTO Group)
  • Can AI ultimately deliver on what politicians promise? – Eike Klein (Amazon)

The day will wrap up with two panel discussions bringing together experts from government, trade associations and business. The focus is on real-world challenges companies face, not plain theory.

  • How much regulation is necessary – and when does it become a competitive disadvantage?
  • How can sustainable product responsibility be achieved in a global market?
  • What role do digitalisation and AI play in meeting new obligations?
  • How can companies ensure legal certainty whilst remaining innovative?

Who is this event for?

The event is aimed at managing directors, entrepreneurs, compliance and sustainability professionals, product managers, producers, importers, retailers, and decision-makers in legal, regulatory affairs and supply chain.

Special benefit: VERE e.V. members and take-e-way/trade-e-bility customers can attend free of charge. Please note: only a few places remain available.

Secure your place here now!

Questions? Inquire now without obligation.
Christoph Brellinger
Contact

Christoph Brellinger
Executive secretary

Phone: 040 750687 – 200

info@vereev.de