The European Union has responded to the COVID pandemic with a comprehensive package of measures. Most recently, a new health authority with the divine name HERA was established to make provisions for future emergencies. However, at yesterday's Council meeting of health ministers, there was headwind against the EU Commission's so-called HERA crisis regulation. There is also harsh criticism from the European Parliament.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
David versus Goliath: The dispute between Beijing and Lithuania has reached a new level. For several days, Chinese customs blocked goods from the Baltic EU state. Shortly before the presentation of the EU's instrument against economic coercion, China is thus providing a prime example of a possible application of the new EU instrument. Details of this defense mechanism have yet to be worked out. Experts warn that member states could dilute it.
By Amelie Richter
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. As expected, China's reaction is furious. But Washington expects the new German government to take a stand as well. That could prove difficult.
By Felix Lee
The new cabinet is in place, but responsibilities are still being wrangled over. But it is foreseeable that the Greens will shape German policy in the EU – and thus secure a key position of power for themselves.
By Till Hoppe
With a restructuring of climate policy, the new federal government wants to end the rivalry between the environment and economics ministries. This is intended to transform Germany from a brake on climate protection to a driver of it in Europe. The new "super ministry" under Robert Habeck will nevertheless have to reckon with headwind. Especially from the coalition partner FDP.
By Timo Landenberger
China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 was met with high hopes in the Western world. The integration of the emerging country into the multilateral organization was supposed to promote not only global prosperity, but also free entrepreneurial activity in China. These hopes were largely disappointed. Although prosperity has increased, China is still not a free market economy.
By Felix Lee
Through VIE companies, Chinese firms can trade their shares on foreign stock exchanges. The authorities now plan to crack down on this. They are concerned that domestic tech companies working with sensitive data could become too international.
By Ning Wang
Angela Merkel and Sebastian Kurz are leaving, there is no longer a majority in the Council and there is a power struggle over the post of parliamentary president: The EPP, which is used to success, is in crisis. It will have to reinvent itself.
By Eric Bonse
The USA is hosting a "democracy summit" this week. Naturally, China is not invited. Beijing is outraged and brands the United States' behavior as hegemonic striving, just like during the Cold War. But more importantly, on Saturday the Chinese leadership presented a white paper on its own democracy. The People's Republic wants to challenge the West's interpretation of the term.
By Michael Radunski
Feng Xingliang knows the reasons why Germany continues to be attractive for Chinese companies. The honeymoon for acquisition bids may be long over, but the 57-year-old, former European head of Chinese construction machinery manufacturer Sany in Germany, speaks with Frank Sieren about the fact that knowledge transfer does not stem from acquisitions and what other mistakes Chinese companies should beware of.
By Frank Sieren
