While the EU institutions argued for weeks about the governance structures of the new crisis agency HERA, it has long since begun its work. In the fight against the spread of the highly contagious Omicron virus variant, the agency is taking on its first coordination tasks.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
With the decision that there will not be a full-fledged digital ministry, but that the departmental assignments will change, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport is growing. Some European policy responsibilities are also changing hands, most notably the DSA. Other issues remain unresolved going into the new year.
By Falk Steiner
The authority has presented the new guidelines for climate and energy subsidies. For Germany, this means that several sectors can no longer be exempted from the EEG surcharge. Nevertheless, the industry is relieved.
By Till Hoppe
It is seen as a political success for today's German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: The international agreement on a system of minimum taxation, which should also make specific digital taxes superfluous. Today, the EU Commission is presenting the European approach to implementing the system – and could also claim some of the revenue for the EU from it.
By Falk Steiner
At the Environment Council, the responsible ministers and their representatives discussed the progress of the Fit for 55 package at the end of the year. One sticking point in the political exchange of views: the climate social fund. Some member states fear a massive social imbalance, especially in the event of an expansion of emissions trading, and are therefore pushing for greater financial support from Brussels. But where the money for this should come from is still an open point of contention.
By Lukas Knigge
A contradiction is emerging between two green pet projects. The new government wants to expand solar energy on the one hand and enforce human rights in global supply chains on the other. But the solar supply chain is dominated by China. And forced labor appears to be occurring in Xinjiang in the production of the raw material for solar panels. Trade sanctions will hardly solve the problem.
By Nico Beckert
Calls for stronger regulation of European emissions trading are growing louder. The fear of endlessly rising CO2 prices due to market speculation is too great. However, it is still unclear whether this concern is justified. The first step towards a more equitable CO2 market could therefore be an improved data situation.
By Lukas Knigge
The EU is venturing far ahead with its decision on Russia – it is threatening tough sanctions even before the country's feared invasion of Ukraine. The possible punitive measures could hit Russia hard, but they are risky for Europe and Germany.
By Eric Bonse
Yesterday's EU summit was supposed to be about a coordinated approach by the member states to the pandemic. Yet, some countries are already implementing their own measures. The Commission fears a "fragmentation" of the rules.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The heads of state and government fail to bridge their differences of opinion. Emissions trading and taxonomy in particular are causing controversy.
By Timo Landenberger
