VW is experiencing heavy losses in its most important sales market. The group blames the drop in sales on closed factories and semiconductor bottlenecks. But the market has grown overall, and other foreign high-volume manufacturers such as Toyota have been able to maintain their market share. The cars of new Chinese competitors are already on a par with VW's – and have a price advantage.
By Frank Sieren
The International Olympic Committee and its attempts to cozy up to the host country of the Winter Olympics are once again under fire. The case of tennis player Peng Shuai has just begun to fade from the public eye. But now, human rights organizations put questions about forced labor back on the agenda. The United Nations also expressed its "deep concern". Meanwhile, cargo flights from western Xinjiang have been heading for airports in Budapest and Liège since mid-January. It is unclear whether the goods are actually free of forced labor.
By Marcel Grzanna
Who will steer the European Union through the most serious foreign policy crisis since the end of the Cold War? Three months after the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in November 2021, this question has still not been answered.
By Eric Bonse
Last week, the EU Commission presented the Chips Act as a central industrial policy project. German industry now voices criticism of the focus on very specific technologies – and of the influence of chip manufacturer Intel.
By Till Hoppe
Women's rights and equality have become part of the public discourse in China. The state alternates between concession and repression to counter the growing discontent of young women. With a revised 1992 law, for example, Beijing wants to fight sexual harassment. However, the state will never bow to a "radical feminist" movement like MeToo, controlled by "foreign forces".
By Fabian Peltsch
China and Russia could start the construction of their joint lunar base much sooner than expected. The fact that the two nations are cooperating ever more closely in space is also a reflection of world politics.
By Redaktion Table
More rainforest was cleared in the Amazon last month than ever before. With a new law on deforestation-free supply chains, the EU wants to stop deforestation. Delara Burkhardt (SPD) was rapporteur for the Parliament's own-initiative report on halting EU-induced deforestation and is now shadow rapporteur for the Socialists. In an interview with Timo Landenberger, she emphasizes the importance of the regulation for climate protection. She accuses the EPP of "delaying tactics".
By Timo Landenberger
Strategic reserves and gas from Azerbaijan are helping Italy to cope with the energy crisis better than several other EU countries. The country is also heavily dependent on Russian imports. This is one of the reasons why Italy proposed to the EU Commission back in October that it set up a joint system for gas reserves.
By Redaktion Table
Associating brands with the Olympic Games is supposed to be a highlight for any PR executive. However, things are different at the Winter Games in Beijing. This time, sponsors might still have to pay a very high price.
By Ning Wang
China discovers green consumption. To achieve its climate targets and produce less waste, people are supposed to shop more mindfully. That is the conclusion of a new government plan. But many companies are merely applying a green coat of paint. Will the government succeed in creating truly sustainable consumption?
By Nico Beckert
