All Articles

Europe (English)

Feature

Double-edged renewables auctions

With the electricity market reform, the Commission is to be able to put wind and solar parks out to tender in order to achieve the European target for renewables if necessary. But the financing is still unclear and the EU auctions could give less ambitious member states a new excuse for their own hesitation.

By Manuel Berkel

Feature

Deep-sea mining: criticism of the Seabed Authority

After three weeks of negotiations at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica, it is clear: There will be no green light for deep-sea mining until at least 2025. However, the debate on a moratorium was prevented – and the authority is under criticism for non-transparent structures and conflicts of interest.

By Leonie Düngefeld

Feature

Madrid picks up pace in expanding majority voting

The Preview Report Third Quarter 2023 of the Permanent Representation to the EU provides an overview of the decisions that will be made in the Council of Ministers after the summer break. The 20-page document, with which the German EU Embassy informs the federal ministries and the Chancellor's Office, makes it clear that Spain has set itself ambitious goals for the Council Presidency.

By Markus Grabitz

Feature

France seeks to be third power in Indo-Pacific

France wants to establish itself as an alternative to the United States and China from the coasts of Madagascar to French Polynesia. The two great powers are also ensnaring Papua New Guinea, where Emmanuel Macron assured he would act as a balancing force and not get involved in power games. Can France fulfill its security ambitions?

By Gabriel Bub

Feature

ESG reporting standards: Commission earns criticism

The EU Commission has adopted its new standards for sustainability reports and is earning criticism. Compared to the originally planned specifications, the standards are significantly weakened. However, the core remains intact, says rapporteur Pascal Durand (S D).

By Redaktion Table