Germany's new government wants to expand solar power – while ensuring human rights in global supply chains. That will be difficult, because the solar supply chain is dominated by China. And the production of the raw material for solar modules appears to involve forced labor in Xinjiang. Trade sanctions will hardly solve the problem.
By Nico Beckert
For the first time, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai gave an interview about her claims of sexual assault against a high-ranking party official. She called it a misunderstanding, which raises new questions.
By Marcel Grzanna
Calls for stronger regulation of European emissions trading are growing louder. The fear of endlessly rising CO2 prices due to market speculation is too great. However, it is still unclear whether this concern is justified. The first step towards a more equitable CO2 market could therefore be an improved data situation.
By Lukas Knigge
China's social credit system poses major challenges for companies. Anyone who makes mistakes can end up on a "blacklist". Stigmatization and punishments could follow. But German companies are proving to be model students.
By Redaktion Table
Major automotive supplier Continental has been caught in the crossfire of a new trade conflict between the EU and China. The automotive industry is threatened with supply problems. The EU must formulate an appropriate response. And the German traffic light coalition is now forced to sort out its China policy on the fly at a crisis meeting at Vice-Chancellor Habeck's home.
By Redaktion Table
Yesterday's EU summit was supposed to be about a coordinated approach by the member states to the pandemic. Yet, some countries are already implementing their own measures. The Commission fears a "fragmentation" of the rules.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The EU is venturing far ahead with its decision on Russia – it is threatening tough sanctions even before the country's feared invasion of Ukraine. The possible punitive measures could hit Russia hard, but they are risky for Europe and Germany.
By Eric Bonse
Not only Covid is to blame, when goods are missing. By setting trade barriers, politics had no small part in the current trade disruptions. IfW Kiel highlights the reasons for the current supply chain problems – and gives a somewhat pessimistic forecast for 2022.
By
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's head of government, fears a low voter turnout in the upcoming elections and is promoting free bus transport to the ballot box. At the same time, she wants to bolster police security.
By Marcel Grzanna
The heads of state and government fail to bridge their differences of opinion. Emissions trading and taxonomy in particular are causing controversy.
By Timo Landenberger
