Internal Market Commissioner Breton speaks of the "end of naivety": The EU Parliament has approved a long-awaited trade tool against economic blackmail. The Commission also presents a list of critical technology that needs to be protected from the People's Republic. No one knows exactly how this is supposed to work.
By Amelie Richter
The decision on whether the EU Parliament will approve the appointment of Wopke Hoekstra as Climate Commissioner and Maroš Šefčovič as Green Deal Commissioner has been postponed yet again. MEPs in the Environment Committee are demanding more concrete answers to their questions. This is no longer just about content but also about party politics.
By Lukas Knigge
A number of ecologists have criticized the EU Commission's proposal for a renewed authorization of the controversial herbicide. They say that the protection of biodiversity is being given far too short a shrift in many EU member states. In Germany, however, the restrictions attached to a renewed glyphosate approval are already being implemented.
By Henrike Schirmacher
In the Polish election campaign, the ruling party PIS and even more right-wing groups such as Konfederacja are vying for voters' favor with resentment against Germany and Ukraine. Above all, voters over 60 are to be addressed. It is suspected that Russia is also behind mostly anonymous posts on social media.
By Redaktion Table
The formation of a government in Spain is entering the next round: The leader of the People's Party failed in two attempts to be elected prime minister, and now it is the turn of Socialist Pedro Sánchez. The separatists are demanding a high price for their support.
By Isabel Cuesta Camacho
It is not good news for the EU: The nationalist Robert Fico, who wants to deliver "no more cartridges to Ukraine," wins the parliamentary elections in Slovakia. Whether he can become head of government for the fourth time is unclear. The liberals want to prevent him.
By Redaktion Table
Two technical trilogues on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector are taking place this week. The political trilogue is scheduled for Oct. 10. In an interview with Claire Stam, rapporteur Jutta Paulus (Greens) talks about the need to reach a swift agreement and the differences between Parliament and Council.
By Claire Stam
At the meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels, Germany cleared the way for the asylum reform. However, a compromise reached with the Spanish presidency on the controversial crisis regulation has surprisingly met with reservations from Italy.
By Eric Bonse
Political pressure is high on Germany's telecommunication operators to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers further. But the Huawei debate is likely just the start: Operators of other critical infrastructures, including railroads, must also brace themselves for additional measures.
By Falk Steiner
The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be launched on Oct. 1., although no CO2 duties will be levied on affected imports during the two-year test phase. Nevertheless, the climate action instrument is already triggering reactions worldwide. Above all, it appears to be fulfilling one of its key purposes: The CBAM provides incentives for CO2 pricing abroad.
By Lukas Knigge
