To stop the decline in ecological diversity and the pollution of soil, air and water, toxic pesticides must be significantly reduced. The EU is working on a law to this effect. But the rifts are deep and the project could even fail altogether.
By Timo Landenberger
Latin America is becoming an increasingly important strategic partner for the EU. Lithium and other critical raw materials are at stake. Germany is also trying to secure its advantage. Chancellor Scholz pushes for the rapid conclusion of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
By Isabel Cuesta Camacho
In early March, the EU Commission plans to present its legislative package on securing the supply of critical raw materials. For the Swedish Council Presidency, the matter is a top priority. It is also intended to reduce dependence on China.
By Redaktion Table
Germany wants to become less dependent on China. In truth, however, German consumers and companies are moving in the opposite direction: Germany is buying more and more goods from China. Disentanglement seems illusory for the moment.
By Frank Sieren
On Wednesday, the shadow rapporteurs on the AI Act will meet. They finally need to agree on important points so that they can negotiate the dossier with the Council before the end of the year. Expectations are mixed.
By Corinna Visser
Luo Shengchun's husband, the well-known human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, was arrested and tortured at the end of 2019. Since then, she has been campaigning for his release. He faces a life sentence. Western governments can do more to counter dictators like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, says Luo in conversation with Marcel Grzanna.
By Redaktion Table
China's real estate sector experienced a wave of bankruptcies in recent years. The crisis was triggered by Beijing's strict regulations. Now, the leadership takes a more pragmatic approach and injects fresh money into the sector.
By Redaktion Table
A leak on CO2 fleet limits for heavy-duty vehicles reveals that the Commission wants to leave the 2025 standards untouched. Starting in 2030, they are to be tightened in five-year increments and extended to all types of heavy commercial vehicles.
By Markus Grabitz
Claims about the environmental compatibility of products are often false or misleading. With a directive, the EU Commission now declares war on greenwashing. Initial reactions to the leaked draft for "green claims" are positive – only the industry fears contradictions.
By Leonie Düngefeld
Olaf Scholz considered it one of his greatest successes as finance minister. But it is unlikely to impact the current chancellor's coffers much: Minimum taxation rules will apply in EU member states from Jan. 1, 2024. Scholz's successor, Christian Lindner, is still mulling over exactly how these will be implemented. And it is not only Germany's path that is problematic.
By Falk Steiner
