With the Council’s approval, the European Union’s climate target for 2040 has now been formally adopted. A study by the University of Graz shows how member states could distribute their contributions to emissions reduction across regions according to principles of fairness.
By Lukas Bayer
After months of wrangling, the Commission has presented its “Lex China” aimed at defending European industry. The Industrial Accelerator Act involves trading partners, but leaves room for new negotiations.
By Manuel Berkel and Markus Grabitz
In complex value chains, it is difficult to give a simple definition of what is “European.” Public contracting authorities and small and medium-sized enterprises fear new documentation requirements and rising costs.
By Till Hoppe and Manuel Berkel
Domestic consumption has long been the Achilles’ heel of China’s economy. With the population aging rapidly, the “silver economy” is seen as a promising fix – but it is far from guaranteed.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Elmed submarine cable shows how a major European infrastructure project can gain momentum – and how early progress can spur follow-on initiatives.
By Arne Schütte
At the start of the week, Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused a steep increase in gas, oil, and electricity prices for the coming months. The key indicator for the filling of European gas storage facilities has turned negative.
By Manuel Berkel
The E3 countries are adjusting their position on the Iran conflict at different rates. The UK, France, and Germany are preparing for their own citizens to be evacuated and signaling their willingness to stand by Iran’s neighbors.
By Stephan Israel and Wilhelmine Stenglin
Following ratification by Uruguay and Argentina, the EU has provisionally implemented the free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. However, its provisional application has sparked controversial reactions in Europe.
By Antonia Zimmermann
The Swiss President is coming to Brussels to sign a new package of agreements on bilateral relations with Ursula von der Leyen. Switzerland will align itself with EU law and, in return, gain access to the internal electricity market, among other things.
By Stephan Israel
Friedrich Merz talks up a European China policy, but mainly means bilateral alignment with France and the UK. The EU plays little role – underscoring growing strategic disunity. For high-level EU–China engagement in 2026, no dates have been set so far.
By Helene Bubrowski, Antonia Zimmermann and Amelie Richter
