As US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick is likely to become one of the central figures for an issue that is particularly close to the heart of future US President Donald Trump: the imposition of tariffs. Lutnick has already verbally targeted China, but Europe could also be in for some difficult years.
By Julian Heissler
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong took over the management of the Loss and Damage Fund at the beginning of November. The experienced development banker already has in-depth specialist knowledge. His special language skills should also open a few doors for him at the World Climate Conference.
By Redaktion Table
Gubad Ibadoghlu is actually due to travel to Strasbourg in December for the Sakharov Prize award ceremony. However, the Azerbaijani economist and government critic is under house arrest in Baku and has a life-threatening illness. The COP29 could bring movement to his case.
By Redaktion Table
Belgium has surprisingly nominated its Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib for the new Commission. The reactions to this were ambivalent. But as a former Middle East correspondent, she is crisis-tested.
By Redaktion Table
Engineer Thomas Speidel receives the German Environmental Award on Sunday. The jury recognizes the developer of innovative fast-charging stations as a pioneer for electromobility, climate action and a comprehensive energy transition.
By Carsten Hübner
Paula Pickert has taken over the management of the Brussels office of the German Raiffeisen Association from its longstanding head Thomas Memmert. In the EU capital, she intends to campaign for effective bureaucracy reduction and better implementation of the rules on unfair trading practices, among other things.
By Julia Dahm
The European Innovation Council (EIC) aims to support the commercialization of high-risk but potentially ground-breaking technologies in the EU. The aim is to help researchers, start-ups and SMEs to bring their innovations to market. Michiel Scheffer, EIC CEO, is predestined for the job with his CV.
By Redaktion Table
Cyprus has nominated the independent Professor Costas Kadis for the new Commission. Von der Leyen wants to entrust him with the Fisheries and Oceans portfolio.
By Redaktion Table
As a Slovenian, Marta Kos at least knows the candidate countries of the Western Balkans up close. After five years with Olivér Várhelyi, fresh energy is urgently needed in the office of Enlargement Commissioner.
By Stephan Israel
As Finance Minister, Maria Luís Albuquerque was responsible for implementing Portugal's austerity policy following the euro crisis. Now, as Financial Markets Commissioner, she is to breathe life into the Capital Markets Union.
By Marc Winkelmann
