The European Parliament is beginning the real work on the artificial intelligence regulation: One committee meeting follows the next. The lead rapporteurs have presented an ambitious timetable. However, given the many open points, it is questionable whether this can be adhered to.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
While the European Parliament is working on new regulations against the design tricks known as "dark patterns", data and consumer protection activists are setting about enforcing the laws already in place to curb the phenomenon. The European Data Protection Board has now published guidelines for dark patterns on social media platforms. Those who deliberately deceive or trick their customers may soon be put on notice or even sued. But before that, those affected have the opportunity to comment.
By Redaktion Table
The EU Commission wants the Federal Republic of Germany to comply with more ambitious minimum filling levels for gas storage facilities. According to a leak, storage operators must also undergo certification. Safety concerns could result in expropriation.
By Manuel Berkel
With the new "Strategic Compass", the foreign ministers clear the way for a military intervention force. But it comes too late for the Ukraine war. A peace solution is also not in sight.
By Eric Bonse
Death by tuberculosis, pneumonia, or typhoid fever? For most Europeans, this sounds like a horror story from the imperial era. But the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been on the rise for years and disregards national borders. A joint European approach is, therefore, an obvious response. There are plenty of potential starting points.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
A reliable, Europe-wide network of charging points is essential for the transformation of transport. An EU regulation with national expansion targets (AFIR) is to provide the infrastructure. Progress is being made in both the Council and Parliament, and there seems to be an overall agreement. However, as is often the case, the devil is in the details.
By Lukas Knigge
The war in Ukraine and the resulting sharp rise in energy prices are making it harder and harder to enforce the CO2 price for buildings and road transport. While ETS 2 offers emissions savings potential, it is likely to lead to further price increases. But alternatives are lacking.
By Lukas Knigge
Serbia has so far not joined the EU sanctions against Russia. In a letter, members of the liberal Renew parliamentary group have addressed EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging her to put accession talks with Serbia on hold for the time being and to freeze the associated funding. But the consequences could further complicate the EU's difficult relationship with the candidate country.
By Falk Steiner
The term is only eleven years old, but already it unites almost all political camps and institutions: Dark Patterns. Parliament, the Council and the Commission all want to put a stop to manipulative design tricks. But a hearing of the European Parliament's Internal Market Committee showed that there is no panacea.
By Redaktion Table
During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies discovered railways as an alternative for transporting goods from China to Europe. Since 2016, volumes have increased tenfold. Russia's war in Ukraine is starting to have an impact. Contractors fear the sanctions and worry about insurance coverage.
By Redaktion Table
