Table.Briefings

Feature

Where is the 'landing zone' for loss and damage?

The biggest point of contention at COP is the structure and financing of losses and damages. Between the extreme positions of "decide everything immediately" and "just decide to talk," there must be a middle ground for a compromise. The solution could possibly lie in just one sentence.

By Bernhard Pötter

Xi Jinping: Exekutive in der Partei

State of commissions: how Xi Jinping rules

In his first ten years in office, Xi Jinping built a network of party commissions and working groups with which he manages the government's work. The party thus further strengthens its control over the state.

By Christiane Kuehl

Exclusive: Commission wants tax increases for tobacco

Member states are to increase excise taxes on tobacco and tobacco-related products sharply. In Germany, the minimum tax on cigarettes would double, and on cigars and cigarillos, it would increase by a factor of nine. The Commission's proposal is due on Dec. 7.

By Markus Grabitz

Here's how the gas price cap is supposed to work

The European cap on gas trading is to apply to only part of the market, according to new key points from the Commission. In it, the executive claims the power to suspend the price limit at any time. To appease the Council, however, there are already building blocks for a legislative text.

By Manuel Berkel

Biodiversity COP in Montreal: four lessons from Paris

After COP is before COP. The UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) will start in early December. Just like the Paris Agreement for the climate, a framework for nature conservation will be negotiated in Montreal. The experience gained in Paris could help the negotiators in this process.

By Lukas Knigge

Maroš Šefčovič: 'Ukraine could become a commodity superpower'

In its search for reliable raw materials partners, the EU also wants to increase cooperation with Ukraine. After all, 22 of the 30 raw materials critical to the EU are stored there. In an interview with Leonie Düngefeld, Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the Commission, explains how this will prepare the ground for reconstruction – and how the EU also wants to mark strategic projects in other third countries.

By Leonie Düngefeld

Annalena Baerbock, Bundesaussenministerin, aufgenommen im Rahmen eines virtuellen Treffens mit Wang Yi nicht im Bild, Aussenminister von China, in Berlin, 20.01.2022. Berlin Deutschland *** Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister, photographed during a virtual meeting with Wang Yi not in picture , Foreign Minister of China, in Berlin, 20 01 2022 Berlin Germany Copyright: xFlorianxGaertnerx

Baerbock's China strategy leaked

The State Department wants its China strategy to provide clear guidelines for the government's actions. A first draft has now been released to the public. But the ambitious paper will be riddled with compromises in its final version.

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