The poor energy efficiency of the building stock makes the sector the biggest energy consumer in the EU. This not only creates energy poverty in many regions. The sector is also responsible for around a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. With the revision of the Buildings Directive, the EU wants to address the problems, but for many the requirements go too far.
By Timo Landenberger
In the unprecedented trade dispute between EU member Lithuania and China, Beijing is now trying to put pressure on companies from other EU states. The EU wants to mediate, but according to media reports, an attempt at talks with the Chinese customs authority has been turned down. Will a WTO complaint now be filed?
By Amelie Richter
In Germany, filing for bankruptcy would be unavoidable by now at the latest: Around the globe, Evergrande's creditors are waiting in vain for their money. Behind the scenes, the government is preparing to restructure the group.
By Redaktion Table
We have broken down for you the leadership level of the houses of the new German government that are particularly relevant for the Green Deal and digitization in Europe, as well as for German European policy.
By Redaktion Table
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
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
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
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
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
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
