As a consequence of Qatargate, the Christian Democrats are calling for stronger transparency rules for non-governmental organizations. But Fight Impunity and others did not fall through the cracks because they were NGOs but because the EU Commission, the European Parliament and the Belgian authorities did not sufficiently monitor compliance with the applicable rules.
By Charlotte Wirth
China's planned export restrictions on solar production plants could hinder the development of the European solar industry. But experts believe there are ways out of dependence. The decisive factor, they say, is how politics react. Expertise and technical knowledge are still available.
By Nico Beckert
The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding period aims to put agriculture on the path to sustainability. But even after the introduction of the national strategy plans, the goals remain well out of reach. A broad-based monitoring committee is supposed to change that and continuously adjust the funding framework. Whether this will succeed is questionable.
By Timo Landenberger
The European Court of Auditors wants to keep a close eye on the Commission and member states as they implement the NextGenerationEU buildup program. In an interview with Table.Media, Klaus-Heiner Lehne, a German member of the Court, says where he sees a potential need for improvement.
By Max Mustermann
By 2030, all new city buses are to be emission-free. This is provided for in the Commission's proposal for carbon regulation on heavy-duty vehicles, which was presented yesterday. Exceptions are possible. If the terrain is mountainous and weather conditions are challenging, the Commission can still allow contingents of combustion engine city buses after 2030.
By Markus Grabitz
Without a significant increase in CO2 storage, a climate-neutral Europe is out of reach. The EU Commission focuses primarily on carbon farming and has launched a legal framework for the certification of CO2 sinking capacity. But this is precisely what could jeopardize the goals.
By Timo Landenberger
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is working on key points to make domestic mining more ecological. The mining industry sees no need for action here – but hopes for faster approval procedures.
By Leonie Düngefeld
Time is running short. As early as March, the heads of state and government are expected to give the Commission direction on reforming the Stability and Growth Pact. At present, however, the positions are still far apart. A meeting of the finance ministers tomorrow is unlikely to change that much.
By Max Mustermann
Euro 7 for cars and vans will arrive in July 2025 under the Commission's proposal. The date is no longer achievable due to delays in the legislative process and the rapporteur also slows the process.
By Markus Grabitz
