Up to now, the internal market has been fragmented when it comes to patents. The Commission now wants to change that. This should defuse the bitter conflicts over standard-essential patents that have been going on for years. In times of crisis, the Commission wants to be able to create compulsory licenses valid throughout the EU.
By Markus Grabitz
96 of 705 seats in the European Parliament are up for grabs for candidates from Germany. Nervousness is rising among German MEPs – also because prominent federal politicians want to move to Strasbourg.
By Markus Grabitz
The CP leadership is massively expanding its anti-espionage law. The amendment is intended to protect not only state secrets but also vaguely defined "national interests". Companies in China fear arbitrary enforcement.
By Redaktion Table
For the first time since the beginning of the Ukraine war, China's President has spoken with his Ukrainian counterpart on the phone. Will Beijing now become the great peace broker? Mikko Huotari urges to take Beijing's efforts seriously. In conversation with Michael Radunski, however, the Merics Director warns of the side effects of the Chinese initiative.
By Michael Radunski
With the innovative sodium-ion battery in large-scale production, the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL could decisively advance electric mobility in the small and compact segment. The batteries are cheaper, lighter and less susceptible to cold. Even electric aircraft are now within the realm of possibility.
By Christian Domke Seidel
Nothing will be achieved in global climate action without China. The country is essential for reducing global emissions, procuring materials crucial for the energy transition and lowering the costs of clean technology. However, in some areas, the West is now more dependent on China than vice versa. And it lags behind in the race for geopolitical influence.
By Alexandra Endres
German Finance Minister Lindner does not outright reject the Commission's proposals but calls for significant adjustments. His French colleague Le Maire is also dissatisfied – but for entirely different reasons.
By Redaktion Table
More than a year after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy finally got a call from China's President Xi Jinping. The Ukrainian president continues to hold out hope that Beijing will press Russia to negotiate peace with Ukraine. He does not have many other options.
By Fabian Peltsch
The Commission wants to give EU citizens better access to medicines with its pharmaceutical package. However, the Commission's proposal is also tailored to the pharmaceutical industry. New drugs may remain protected for up to 13 years.
By Charlotte Wirth
The financing of international climate action is a key topic of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, which will take place next week in Berlin. Despite this, the German government is planning to reduce tax spending for climate aid in its current draft budget.
By Bernhard Pötter
