The EU has added the two Russian propaganda channels RT and Sputnik to its sanctions list. They are banned from broadcasting linear television and distributing content. This decision is well-intentioned – and does not solve an existing problem.
By Falk Steiner
Last year, Chinese smartphone brands dominated the Indian market more than ever. Almost all locally sold Chinese smartphones are produced in India. But the market share of domestic brands is falling dramatically. India is failing to counter Chinese products with its own smartphone industry. An industrial policy failure, but one that could mitigate political escalations.
By Frank Sieren
Chinese cars have become popular in Russia in recent years. Brands like Chery and Haval are now able to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of Western manufacturers. This is made possible by Russia's yuan reserves. Ultimately, however, Russia could end up becoming an extension of China's automotive sector.
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Putin's war against Ukraine is sending shock waves through German politics. Certainties such as secure energy supply are being called into question. After all, Germany is dependent on Russian gas. Now, the energy transition is to be accelerated. But new dependencies are looming – on China.
By Nico Beckert
In the future, all products traded in the EU will have to meet comprehensive requirements for recyclability. This is the result of a leaked draft of the new Ecodesign Directive. Accordingly, companies must disclose how many end-user products they reuse or throw away per year.
By Manuel Berkel
Ukraine is demanding "equal" EU membership on a fast-track basis. The European Parliament already wants to grant Kiev candidate status, but the Commission and the Council are putting on the brakes.
By Eric Bonse
With mass testing and lockdown, Hong Kong plans to bring the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the city back under control. Thus, the German embassy prepares its citizens for "tough weeks". German diplomats are particularly concerned about minors who could be separated from their parents for isolation. Many foreigners have already left the city for good.
By Redaktion Table
Putin's war against Ukraine is sending shock waves through German politics. Certainties such as secure energy supply are being called into question. After all, Germany is dependent on Russian gas. Now, the energy transition is to be accelerated. But new dependencies are looming – on China.
By Nico Beckert
The Ukraine war is clearly not going as planned for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military. But it is unlikely that the Ukrainian armed forces will defeat the Russian army – despite support from the West. Six scenarios of what could happen next.
By Falk Steiner
In the future, Germany's gas storage facilities are to be 90 percent full by December each year. The German government wants to set corresponding minimum filling levels with a law on the national gas reserve. Meanwhile, the think tank Bruegel warns against national solo efforts, a "subsidy war" among EU states – and risks that could arise if Gazprom supplies increase again.
By Manuel Berkel
