Table.Briefings

Feature

China landwirtschaftliche Böden belastet

Contaminated soils endangers food supply

Supplying the population with food is not only a challenge in the lockdown of Shanghai, a metropolis with a population of 25 million. It has been a headache for China's leadership for quite some time. The problem of contaminated farmland is bigger than anywhere else in the world.

By Ning Wang

Null-Covid Hongkong

Hong Kong rejects China's zero-covid strategy

While Xi Jinping resolutely sticks to his zero-covid strategy on the mainland, Hong Kong is gradually lifting Covid measures. The newly-elected Chief Executive John Lee intends to reopen the international border as quickly as possible. This could soon make it easier to enter the country from Europe than from the People's Republic.

By Redaktion Table

ETS 2: the long road ahead

After tough wrangling, negotiations in the Environment Committee on the reform of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are to be concluded on Tuesday. It is not yet possible to predict what the agreement will look like. All sides claim to be willing to compromise, but there is little movement on the most contentious points.

By Lukas Knigge

Luc Frieden ist Präsident von Eurochambres. Der frühere Finanzminister Luxemburgs arbeitete zwischenzeitlich in der Finanzindustrie.

Luc Frieden: 'Is it the right time?'

The new president of Eurochambres, the umbrella organization of chambers of commerce, warns against imposing new burdens on companies in the current crisis. He is critical of the rapid introduction of the CO2 border adjustment and wants to improve the Supply Chain Act. In an interview with Till Hoppe, the Luxembourger also warns against the consequences of an oil and gas embargo.

By Till Hoppe

Conference on the Future of Europe: decisive phase ahead

The Conference on the Future of Europe was intended to work out where and how the EU needs to reinvent or improve itself. After the collection and initial discussion, it's now down to the nitty-gritty: Which proposals from the participatory format will actually be taken into account? Starting today, the focus will be on actual implementation.

By Eric Bonse

Is the tech crackdown about to end?

According to reports, China's leadership will soon sit down with the country's tech bosses. They are expected to help slow the downturn in the second-largest economy.

By Redaktion Table

Hendrik Streeck: 'Instead of lockdown, boost the eldery'

China already has effective tools for dealing with Omicron, says virologist Hendrik Streeck. His advice to the Chinese government: It should once more boost the immunity of the elderly with the existing vaccine. With the booster, the Chinese vaccine also protects "very well" against severe cases. Frank Sieren spoke with Streeck.

By Frank Sieren

France's left allies

The left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon had announced it during the presidential elections: the 70-year-old wants to become prime minister. More quickly than expected, he has now launched a left-wing alliance against President Emmanuel Macron. And power for Mélenchon could put France's pro-European direction in jeopardy.

By

Promotion of gas saving in industry stalls

In view of the threat of a halt to Russian gas supplies, there is a fierce debate about possible shutdowns of industrial plants. But now, of all things, an important German government support program for energy savings by companies is being delayed.

By Manuel Berkel

Wahlen in Hongkong: John Lee, 64, wird am Sonntag aller Voraussicht nach zum neuen Regierungschef in Hongkong gewählt

Hong Kong election: a government executive made for Beijing

Under Security Chief John Lee, Hong Kong's police brutally crushed mass protests in 2019. To this day, Lee has not answered for the rampant violence. Still, the 64-year-old wants to lead the city government's fate in the future. His chances of being elected as the new Chief Executive on Sunday are high. He enjoys Beijing's support.

By Marcel Grzanna