Two technical trilogues on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector are taking place this week. The political trilogue is scheduled for Oct. 10. In an interview with Claire Stam, rapporteur Jutta Paulus (Greens) talks about the need to reach a swift agreement and the differences between Parliament and Council.
By Claire Stam
At the meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels, Germany cleared the way for the asylum reform. However, a compromise reached with the Spanish presidency on the controversial crisis regulation has surprisingly met with reservations from Italy.
By Eric Bonse
Political pressure is high on Germany's telecommunication operators to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers further. But the Huawei debate is likely just the start: Operators of other critical infrastructures, including railroads, must also brace themselves for additional measures.
By Falk Steiner
The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be launched on Oct. 1., although no CO2 duties will be levied on affected imports during the two-year test phase. Nevertheless, the climate action instrument is already triggering reactions worldwide. Above all, it appears to be fulfilling one of its key purposes: The CBAM provides incentives for CO2 pricing abroad.
By Lukas Knigge
In its interim report on the proclaimed Digital Decade 2020 to 2030, the EU Commission identifies a massive need for action in Germany. This is also due to Germany itself – in one area in particular, the Federal Republic is far behind the target.
By Falk Steiner
A new Merics study shows: In the last five years, China has increasingly aspired to co-determine discourse in other countries – including in Europe. The researchers call for heightened vigilance and propose a number of remedies.
By
Robert Fico has been Prime Minister of his country three times. In 2018, popular anger over the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak swept him from office. But Fico faces a comeback in the parliamentary elections in a few days.
By Redaktion Table
For the first time, the EU Commission has received reports from the major digital companies on their handling of targeted misinformation. The Commission is particularly concerned about Russian propaganda and upcoming, important elections. But the next important step has yet to be taken.
By Falk Steiner
In the Competitiveness Council, the Spanish Council Presidency has quietly succeeded in reaching a general agreement on the Euro 7 emissions standard. The limits for passenger cars are not to be tightened at all, while the limits for commercial vehicles are to be tightened only slightly. E-fuels were not included.
By Markus Grabitz
The bloody escalation in northern Kosovo casts a bad light on the mediation efforts of EU foreign affairs envoy Josep Borrell and his special envoy Miroslav Lajčáku. They could be forced to make a course correction.
By Stephan Israel
