Feature • Table.Briefings

June 30th, 2022

NATO describes China as new challenge

NATO adopted its new strategic concept at the summit in Madrid. In it, the alliance clearly defines Russia as a threat and, for the first time, describes China as a challenge.

By Stephan Israel

Feature

June 29th, 2022

Zero-Covid: Criminals exploit Hong Kong's isolation

For German companies, the situation in Hong Kong is hardly tolerable. Apart from the repressive Security Law, the strict Covid restrictions are a major problem for them. These make business trips almost impossible. That is why more and more become victims of fraud. A business lawyer reports.

By Redaktion Table

Feature

June 29th, 2022

Hong Kong on the anniversary: Beijing-red instead of democracy

Twenty-five years after Hong Kong was returned to the People's Republic of China, the city's future is Beijing-red rather tinged with internationalism. The new Chief Executive John Lee has a cabinet that leaves no doubt that the metropolis will ultimately abandon the promised "high degree of autonomy".

By Marcel Grzanna

Feature

June 29th, 2022

'Once you’re in, you can’t get out'

The Energy Charter Treaty allows foreign investors to sue states – and has drawn a lot of criticism as a result. At the end of last week, the 52 signatory states agreed in principle on reforms. In an interview with Till Hoppe, Michael De Boeck, a legal expert at the College of Europe in Bruges, sees real progress on at least one point.

By Till Hoppe

Feature

June 29th, 2022

Environment Council: late compromises on combustion engine phase-out, ETS and CBAM

The EU environment and climate ministers discussed their joint position on some of the key legislative proposals of the Fit for 55 package until late into the night in Luxembourg. Shortly after 2 a.m., a package deal was finally reached that demanded a great deal of compromise from the member states.

By Lukas Knigge

Feature

June 28th, 2022

Czech EU Presidency: What's on the China agenda?

The baton of the EU Council Presidency is handed over to the Czech Republic. Prague will spend the next six months indirectly dealing with China, the most important item on the agenda being and remaining Russia's war against Ukraine. The Czech Foreign Ministry has already warned Beijing: Relations with Moscow will be closely monitored. Lithuania could hope for more tailwind from the EU with the (still) 16+1 member Czech Republic.

By Amelie Richter

Feature

June 28th, 2022

'Zero-Covid' for another five years?

China wants to contain all infection strands in the country and possibly isolate itself for years to come. The public reacts outraged.

By Redaktion Table

Feature

June 28th, 2022

NATO responds to new threat situation

Ahead of the summit in Madrid, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announces the biggest "general overhaul of the military alliance" since the end of the Cold War. The number of rapid response forces is to be drastically increased. The adoption of a new strategic concept is planned, in which China is to be mentioned for the first time.

By Stephan Israel

Feature

June 28th, 2022

Renewables & efficiency: 'It can only get greener'

Shortly before the end of the French presidency, the energy ministers adopted their positions on the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Directives. They do not want to support key target increases from the REPowerEU plan.

By Manuel Berkel

Feature

June 27th, 2022

G7 and NATO Summits: It's all about China

The G7 countries want to increase sanctions against Russia and continue to put new proposals on the table. But without China, they are largely ineffective. China will also be on the agenda at the NATO summit in Madrid. For the first time, the People's Republic will play a role in the defense alliance's Strategic Concept.

By Felix Lee