From the G20 summit in Rome at the weekend, the heads of state and government traveled straight on to Glasgow, where the 26th World Climate Conference got off to a flying start on Monday with the World Leaders Summit. Many were disappointed by the G20 final declaration, but there is also reason to hope.
By Lukas Knigge
The EU Commission has promised too much and has more work to do. New rules for smartphones and tablets are now not expected until 2022 — if all goes well. The European Parliament and the German government want stricter regulations soon.
By Eric Bonse
The Council working groups have made significant progress on the digital dossiers in recent days. In particular, the package of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Single Markets Act (DMA) is now on the home straight ahead of the trilogue with Parliament and the Commission. The next stage of the less controversial Data Governance Act (DGA) should also be reached soon.
By Falk Steiner
Europe's digital economy lacks data — the Data Act is supposed to remedy this shortcoming. But the EU Commission's legislative proposal is being delayed due to internal concerns. These concern areas that also worry the economy.
By Till Hoppe
Probably the most important goal of the World Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26) is to reach an agreement on the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement — the last part of the so-called "Paris Rulebook" that has not yet been fully negotiated. The aim is to create a global CO₂ certificate trading system. The framework conditions are likely to be the subject of intense wrangling.
By Lukas Knigge
Ransomware and state-tolerated or state-sponsored hacking are increasingly on the minds of institutions and companies. The revision of the Network Security and Information Directive is intended to provide some relief here — and is now on the legislative fast track.
By Falk Steiner
The success or failure of the World Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26) will probably be decided by the negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, agreement is also likely to be reached in other areas – with relevant consequences for global climate protection. One thorny issue is the reduction of emissions from shipping and aviation.
By Lukas Knigge
The negotiations on the Digital Services Act are making slow progress in the Internal Market Committee. Although the positions on the ban on personalized advertising are converging and the topic was not on the debate agenda, the Commission reheated the discussion. There was agreement that the hearing of whistleblower Frances Haugen would have consequences for the draft law.
By Jasmin Kohl
The Commission misses the October deadline for presenting the law on corporate due diligence. As if there weren't enough points of contention already, the Commission President has now interfered: von der Leyen wants to use the law to enforce a ban on imports of products from forced labor. This would actually require a trade instrument.
By Charlotte Wirth
A week before the start of COP26, the commitment of some industrialized countries is slowly gaining momentum. A report on the US$100 billion target indicates that the willingness to take financial responsibility for climate change is increasing. Nevertheless, the targets will not be met for the time being. Higher contributions are expected primarily from the private sector.
By Lukas Knigge
