Beijing avoids openly addressing the protests over the weekend. The central government passes the buck to local authorities. At least some restrictions are now being lifted. The next phase of the opening could be initiated by the People's Congress in March.
By Redaktion Table
The legislative reform on packaging waste presented yesterday imposes high requirements on producers and member states for the reuse of packaging material. The Commission neglects the value of recycling, as the industry criticizes.
By Charlotte Wirth
In the dispute over the rule of law, the EU Commission recommends freezing more than €13 billion. Now the ball is in the Ecofin Council's court. However, not everyone there is in a hurry. At stake is the Union's credibility, but also its ability to act.
By Eric Bonse
Emissions from maritime shipping will be covered by European emissions trading in the future - a historic step. The EU Commission also presents first proposals on how it intends to certify carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere. This has been met with some considerable criticism.
By Lukas Knigge
Despite the renaissance of fossil fuels at COP27, IEA chief Fatih Birol sees strong momentum for the global energy transition. Birol predicts a peak in gas consumption soon. But the 1.5-degree target will require trillions in investment. He advises Germany not to venture into fracking.
By Alexandra Endres
When it comes to solar technology, the world is dependent on supplies from China. But in the West, there are debates about human rights violations along the supply chain. The People's Republic now reacts by planning its own "clean" supply chains for exports. The West would still receive solar technology with a clear conscience but would remain dependent.
By Nico Beckert
Jiang Zemin had gained cult status in recent years, especially among China's young Internet users. The toad, as they fondly called him, represents for them a self-ironic, cosmopolitan China that has been lost under his successors Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping.
By Fabian Peltsch
After 1989, Jiang Zemin led China back into the international community of states after it had become a pariah after the Tiananmen bloodbath. In 2002, he organized the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the People's Republic. The mourning for his death is accompanied by sharp criticism of Xi Jinping.
By Michael Radunski
Tomorrow, Thursday, the Council will vote on its position on corporate due diligence. Although the text lags behind the Commission's proposal in terms of ambition, France is blocking it. Paris is pushing for financial services to be exempt from the law.
By Charlotte Wirth
The German government wants to ease the burden on companies regarding the crisis-related rise in energy costs – at least that is the official justification. But calculations show that many companies are paying less than before the crisis. This could once again draw criticism from EU partners.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
