With the new government comes significant restructuring in digital policy. Old ideas will be shelved and it remains to be seen whether the new ones will take hold. The new distribution of responsibilities will also affect some European projects.
By Falk Steiner
Since the beginning of November, CO2 prices in the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) have been rising rapidly. This week, the price per ton of CO2 exceeded €80 for the first time and is now almost at €90. It is the anticipated increase due to consistent climate policy, but not everyone is happy about it.
By Lukas Knigge
This week, Brussels was supposed to present its approach to an EU supply chain law - but the presentation of the Commission's proposal was postponed. Meanwhile, the German supply chain law has been passed and will come into force in just over a year. How are companies in China preparing for implementation? There are still a lot of unanswered questions, including how human rights violations will be detected in the first place, says Jens Hildebrandt. The interview was conducted by Amelie Richter.
By Amelie Richter
Staff changes at VW: Ralf Brandstaetter, the former head of the core VW brand, becomes the group's new China board member. He is supposed to secure the company's market leadership in China. It is said to relieve Herbert Diess, the Group's battered CEO, of some of his workload. But he will also lose influence. And Audi China is getting a new president in the process.
By Redaktion Table
To achieve the pledged contribution to the climate target, China's industries would have to rapidly reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the Five-Year Climate Plan for the sector that has now been presented does not utilize its full capacity. Are the planners already preparing to overachieve in the socialist tradition?
By Nico Beckert
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
Due to a conflict with Lithuania, Chinese customs are blocking goods from the country – providing the backdrop for the presentation of the EU instrument against economic coercion. But experts expect discussions among member states and warn against watering it down.
By Amelie Richter
The Digital Services Act is on the home stretch in the European Parliament: Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose has managed to convince the representatives of the other political groups of her compromises. Next week, the Internal Market Committee will vote on it. We highlight the most important points of the compromise.
By Redaktion Table
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
