Many firms in West Europe have no money. In 2025 there were almost 200.000 insolvenzen. This is a new record. An insolvenz means: A firm can not pay its bills. Then it often must close.
In Germany there were over 24.000 bankruptcies. This is the highest number in 11 years. Many cases happen in Berlin and Bayern. Hotels and restaurants often suffer. Firms for houses have problems too.
There are many reasons for the crisis. Energy costs are very high. There is too much büro-kratie. This means: There are too many rules and too much paper work. Trade with other countries is weak.
The number grew fastest in Switzerland. There is a new law there. Firms go broke faster now. Other countries like the Netherlands have fewer cases. Experts think: The number of insolvenzen stays high.
