The EU Commission wants to put Europe at the forefront of the semiconductor industry. Those who invest here can hope for massive subsidies – but at the same time must enter into far-reaching commitments. There is criticism from within the industry.
By Till Hoppe
Inequality is on the rise in China. While some bask in limitless luxury, tens of millions of migrant workers have to make do with meager wages. The leadership wants to fight inequality and has proclaimed "common prosperity" as its goal. What is causing the gap between rich and poor? And is it possible to draw any conclusions for political measures to overcome this inequality?
By Nico Beckert
The organizers of the Winter Olympics promise a carbon-neutral event. As one of the world's biggest polluters, China is under special scrutiny. The IOC praises new sustainability standards. But not only the CO2 footprint plays a role, but also the water consumption caused by the production of artificial snow, the protection of the native fauna, and the long-term use of the Olympic venues.
By Marcel Grzanna
For a long time, CO2 extraction from the air and underground storage were criticized in climate policy. But in the meantime, numerous studies have proven that it will not work without it. While CCS technology remains controversial in the EU, Norway is leading the way.
By Timo Landenberger
Facebook's parent company Meta has announced that its services, such as Facebook and Instagram, may have to shut down in Europe. This has led to joy, but also to frown lines in Europe and demands of the EU Commission. However, Meta's message could have been intended for a completely different addressee.
By Falk Steiner
Tennis player Peng Shuai has met IOC President Thomas Bach and gave her first official interview since she publicly accused a high-ranking Chinese cadre of sexual assault. However, the events do not shed light on the matter. Instead of letting her speak freely, the Communist Party controls her every word. Critics believe that she was pressured to retract her allegations.
By Marcel Grzanna
China's outbound direct investment grew steadily in 2021 despite Covid and political tensions. However, the targets have changed: China is no longer buying up existing companies. It now focuses on developing its own sites. In addition, less politically sensitive sectors such as consumer goods, entertainment and services are attracting ongoing interest from Chinese investors.
By Frank Sieren
The regulation of artificial intelligence was one of the priorities of the Slovenian Council Presidency. At the end of November, it published a first compromise draft. Now the French have drawn up their own proposals. Among other things, they are calling for users of high-risk AI systems to be given information about the systems' mechanisms.
By Jasmin Kohl
New LNG imports to Europe could lead to other countries being priced out of the market. These are emerging countries that would no longer be able to compete with Europe on price, says Andreas Goldthau in an interview with Charlotte Wirth.
By Charlotte Wirth
This week at the Winter Games, American-born Eileen Gu, two figure skaters, and a dozen or so Canadian and American ice hockey players will compete for China for the first time. Gu could take the first gold for China on Tuesday in the big air discipline. Just before the Olympics began, however, a debate erupted over her citizenship. Have Gu and the others been allowed to keep their old passports? Dual citizenship does not exist in China.
By Christiane Kuehl
