Member states are to increase excise taxes on tobacco and tobacco-related products sharply. In Germany, the minimum tax on cigarettes would double, and on cigars and cigarillos, it would increase by a factor of nine. The Commission's proposal is due on Dec. 7.
By Markus Grabitz
In its search for reliable raw materials partners, the EU also wants to increase cooperation with Ukraine. After all, 22 of the 30 raw materials critical to the EU are stored there. In an interview with Leonie Düngefeld, Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the Commission, explains how this will prepare the ground for reconstruction – and how the EU also wants to mark strategic projects in other third countries.
By Leonie Düngefeld
The European cap on gas trading is to apply to only part of the market, according to new key points from the Commission. In it, the executive claims the power to suspend the price limit at any time. To appease the Council, however, there are already building blocks for a legislative text.
By Manuel Berkel
Germany and other countries, such as the Netherlands, have objections to the EU Commission's ideas for new fiscal rules. They fear that the planned analysis of debt sustainability will cause disputes between governments.
By Till Hoppe
Washington and Moscow are talking to each other again about the war in Ukraine. But in Brussels, there are hardly any signs of willingness to talk. The EU is siding more uncompromisingly than ever with Ukraine, as two meetings of foreign and defense ministers show.
By Eric Bonse
The DSA is supposed to bring more transparency and control over what happens on major online platforms and search engines. To achieve this, the Commission needs new staff and is therefore establishing a new team of experts.
By Corinna Visser
The fragile grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires at the end of the week. However, there is no alternative to exporting via the corridor, and the delivery target is even secondary, says Jan Jänsch, Head of Grain Trading at Baywa in an interview with Timo Landenberger. He calls on the EU to provide greater support for domestic production.
By Redaktion Table
In a few weeks, the Commission will present its proposal for a phase-out of internal combustion engines in commercial vehicles. In its study, the environmental organization T+E is now calling for e-fuels to play no role in trucks either. One scientist disagrees and doubts the seriousness of the study.
By Markus Grabitz
Starting Monday, EU environment ministers and Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans will be in the mix at the climate conference. They are boasting about ambitious Brussels plans, but they don't have only good news to share. The pressure on Timmermans and his team is great.
By Lukas Knigge
Negotiation week number two begins in Sharm el-Sheikh – and with it, the decisive round: The ministers arrive and the negotiations come to a head, becoming more confrontational. Money is at the center of the discussions.
By Lukas Knigge
