The poor energy efficiency of the building stock makes the sector the biggest energy consumer in the EU. This not only creates energy poverty in many regions. The sector is also responsible for around a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. With the revision of the Buildings Directive, the EU wants to address the problems, but for many the requirements go too far.
By Timo Landenberger
Online platforms like Uber and Deliveroo are booming, their revenues have increased fivefold in recent years. For many employees, however, little of this comes through: They struggle with precarious working conditions and a lack of transparency from algorithms that evaluate their performance. The European Commission yesterday presented a law aimed at remedying the situation.
By Jasmin Kohl
We have broken down for you the leadership level of the houses of the new German government that are particularly relevant for the Green Deal and digitization in Europe, as well as for German European policy.
By Redaktion Table
With the new government comes significant restructuring in digital policy. Old ideas will be shelved and it remains to be seen whether the new ones will take hold. The new distribution of responsibilities will also affect some European projects.
By Falk Steiner
Since the beginning of November, CO2 prices in the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) have been rising rapidly. This week, the price per ton of CO2 exceeded €80 for the first time and is now almost at €90. It is the anticipated increase due to consistent climate policy, but not everyone is happy about it.
By Lukas Knigge
The Digital Services Act is on the home stretch in the European Parliament: Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose has managed to convince the representatives of the other political groups of her compromises. Next week, the Internal Market Committee will vote on it. We highlight the most important points of the compromise.
By Redaktion Table
Due to a conflict with Lithuania, Chinese customs are blocking goods from the country – providing the backdrop for the presentation of the EU instrument against economic coercion. But experts expect discussions among member states and warn against watering it down.
By Amelie Richter
The European Union has responded to the COVID pandemic with a comprehensive package of measures. Most recently, a new health authority with the divine name HERA was established to make provisions for future emergencies. However, at yesterday's Council meeting of health ministers, there was headwind against the EU Commission's so-called HERA crisis regulation. There is also harsh criticism from the European Parliament.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The new cabinet is in place, but responsibilities are still being wrangled over. But it is foreseeable that the Greens will shape German policy in the EU – and thus secure a key position of power for themselves.
By Till Hoppe
With a restructuring of climate policy, the new federal government wants to end the rivalry between the environment and economics ministries. This is intended to transform Germany from a brake on climate protection to a driver of it in Europe. The new "super ministry" under Robert Habeck will nevertheless have to reckon with headwind. Especially from the coalition partner FDP.
By Timo Landenberger
