- Companies of Schwarz Group invite decision-makers from politics and business to discussions in the political hub Brussels
- European partnerships and cooperation in response to the challenges of our time
- Sovereign solutions "Made in Europe" throughout the entire value chain
Held on October 15, Schwarz Impulse 2025 marked the fourth time the companies of Schwarz Group have brought decision-makers from European politics and business together to discuss the pressing issues of our time. Under the motto "The power of sovereignty", Europe's sovereignty was the central theme of the event. The message is that in times of geopolitical uncertainty and growing dependencies, sovereignty means more than economic self-determination – it is Europe's ability to actively shape the future with a clear vision and the decisions that need to be made.
"A strong, sovereign Europe needs courage and determination. As Europe's largest retail group, we have invested over 80 billion euros in this economic area in the past decade alone and prove every day that European solutions are successful. Where others see risks, we recognize opportunities and act ahead," emphasized Gerd Chrzanowski, General Partner of Schwarz Group. "Now is not the time to go it alone – we all need partnerships and cooperation on an equal footing to reshape Europe's future and role in the global transformation. This is not about confrontation with global superpowers, but about developing Europe's own strengths and acting as an equal partner on the world stage."
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, emphasized in her speech: "In a world of growing geopolitical tensions, Europe's digital sovereignty is the foundation of our security, prosperity and competitiveness. We must ensure that control of our most critical digital resources – data, infrastructure and key technologies – remains in European hands. This is the compass that must guide our public and private investments."
In addition to Ekaterina Zaharieva from the European Commission, the speakers included Sabine Verheyen, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pierre Bascou, Deputy Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development at the European Commission, and Günther H. Oettinger, former Member and Vice-President of the European Commission and former Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
"Made in Europe" – securing Europe's future together
As Europe's largest retail group, the companies of Schwarz Group have a clear core competence: supplying millions of people. To achieve this, they rely on strategic freedom of action throughout their entire value cycle and systematically develop their own solutions to remain responsive in uncertain times. This approach was brought to life at Schwarz Impulse 2025 through four dimensions:
- Supply chain resilience – planning security for transport routes: The companies of Schwarz Group leverage secure global value chains, innovation and automation to facilitate resilient and reliable supply to Europe. They rely on a high degree of self-sufficiency with their own production facilities and strengthen European trade routes with container ships and truck fleets.
- Food sovereignty – from field to shopping basket: As one of the continent's leading producers, Schwarz Produktion ensures the secure availability and high quality of food and beverages in Europe. With the Lidl and Kaufland retail divisions, the companies of Schwarz Group also contribute to a resilient and progressive food industry by empowering regional producers and promoting a sustainable and healthy supply of food.
- Digital sovereignty – AI and cloud made in Europe: To secure Europe's digital sovereignty, the companies of Schwarz Group are determined in their efforts to create innovations. Schwarz Digits brings together five core areas from a single source: cloud infrastructure, cyber security, artificial intelligence and data, secure communication and solutions for digital workplaces.
- Circular economy – keeping resources in the loop instead of losing them: The companies of Schwarz Group systematically drive forward European resource sovereignty – from recyclable product design to returning recyclable materials to local cycles. Together with the group's environmental division, PreZero, they help secure valuable resources and support a reliable, independent supply of raw materials for Europe.
