Work on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is progressing – in the Council and Parliament. But whether the result will actually be more media freedom remains to be seen. There is a sharp criticism of the Council's plans.
By Falk Steiner
The heads of state and government provide security assurances to Ukrainian President Zelenskiy but are divided on what these entail. Hungary and Poland provoke a dispute over the migration pact.
By Stephan Israel
The documentation and understanding of China's mechanisms of influence on research are growing. Experts disagree on the best way to deal with the situation: China remains an important research partner. Meanwhile, a new discussion is unfolding around the Confucius Institutes.
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BASF is now producing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries in Schwarzheide, aiming to reduce the CO2 footprint of EVs, among other things. A project of strategic importance for the EU, as the European battery industry urgently needs to become more competitive.
By Leonie Düngefeld
Spain takes over the presidency of the EU Council on Sunday. The left-wing government led by Pedro Sánchez was seen as a door opener to China. Now, however, elections will be held at the end of July – and Sánchez could lose his post. Two important EU initiatives in particular are at the top of the Spanish agenda over the next six months.
By Amelie Richter
China has passed a new legal basis for its foreign policy. Xi Jinping now has the means to take "countermeasures" against Western threats. That is China's prerogative. The problem: Beijing currently sees its sovereignty, security and development interests threatened by foreign countries on many levels.
By Michael Radunski
Despite climate deniers propping up the government in Stockholm, experts are pleased with the Swedish EU Presidency on climate policy: Fair negotiations, successful legislation, and many proposals implemented. And if there were any doubts, Sweden voted against itself.
By Magnus Nilsson
Whether and when the digital euro will come is for the ECB to decide. But the Commission has now made a proposal as to what the legal framework for a future digital currency might look like. Important is: It should complement cash, not replace it.
By Corinna Visser
The developed countries have signed the world's fourth Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP) with Senegal. It will not support controversial gas production. Instead, the JETP agreement is intended to finance renewables.
By Lucia Weiß
As hydrogen technology ramps up, business representatives are concerned about a bottleneck: They say there is a shortage of raw materials for the production of electrolyzers. But experts give the all-clear.
By Nico Beckert
