In the fight against high gas prices, the EU Commission is backing a subsidy and demand strategy. Member states and operators are to be obliged to achieve a minimum gas storage level by September 30 of each year. However, in the draft communication on energy prices, the authority also points the way to financial incentives. States are also to double biogas production by 2030.
By Manuel Berkel
The EU Commission will present its long-awaited supply chain law on Wednesday – without an import ban on items produced with forced labor. The Chair of the Trade Committee in the European Parliament, Bernd Lange (SPD), is not happy about this. He now expects a separate EU law to ban such imports, which then simply has to be accepted by the Chinese. Lange speaks with Amelie Richter about the impact the supply chain law will have on trade with China.
By Amelie Richter
The Munich Security Conference is overshadowed by the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. China's foreign minister is also warning against a new Cold War. But his warnings are not directed at Russia. Only upon being asked does Beijing point out the limits to its partner in Moscow. The Sino-Russian partnership is a rational alliance of convenience.
By Michael Radunski
According to a recent Civey survey, the reputation of both the Olympic Games and the People's Republic of China has suffered, at least in Germany. Nevertheless, the hosts consider the Olympics a complete success, which gives them greater legitimacy, especially in domestic politics.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Regulatory Scrutiny Board examines the impact assessments of draft legislation from the EU Commission. Members of the European Parliament criticize the RSB for not acting in a transparent manner – they suspect hidden political influence in the case of the Supply Chain Act. Von der Leyen now wants to strengthen the committee.
By Charlotte Wirth
Europe is regulating, and the business community is reacting – in some cases with harsh criticism. If, for example, the parliamentary version of the Digital Services Act were to be passed, members of the Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft would be among those most affected: many are part of the online advertising industry. In an interview with Falk Steiner BVDW President Dirk Freytag and Vice President Thomas Duhr explain their criticism and warn of regulatory chaos.
By Falk Steiner
Cat pictures helped Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) boom in China. First, the art scene sensed good business. Now tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba are also issuing tokens. They are afraid of missing out on the next hype. But the government already put a spanner in the works of the tech industry once. Now, that could happen again.
By Ning Wang
Eileen Gu has entered a political minefield by switching flags from the USA to China. Accusations of treason in the US are now followed by resentment in China regarding her privileged life. Statements that seem innocent and detached don't help. Gu has to realize that for top athletes like her, there is no such thing as a politics-free zone in the current times.
By Christiane Kuehl
Poland and Hungary have lost in court in the dispute over the new rule of law mechanism. Budapest in particular is now threatened with financial sanctions. However, it remains to be seen whether the EU Commission will initiate proceedings before the country's parliamentary elections. There has been sharp criticism from the European Parliament.
By Eric Bonse
The EU-Africa summit is intended to give new impetus to the partnership between the two continents. A broad range of topics also includes possible cooperation in the field of renewable energies. For example, Europe wants to promote the expansion of infrastructure with know-how and an investment offensive and, in return, import green hydrogen in particular. Observers warn not to lose sight of the population in the process.
By Timo Landenberger
