News

Tourism: China offers new tax benefits.

China has announced an improvement to the departure tax refund policy. Under the motto "Buy now, refund now", VAT will be refunded directly upon purchase and not on leaving the country.

By Ning Wang

Steel industry: France plans further measures against Chinese imports.

The multinational steel group ArcelorMittal wants to cut up to 600 jobs in France. In response, France intends to step up efforts to protect the European market from Chinese steel.

By Ning Wang

Bosnia: High Representative Schmidt cuts funding for parties in Republika Srpska.

Bosnia's High Representative Christian Schmidt blocks state subsidies to Milorad Dodik's ruling party. The Srspka president was able to evade arrest by the Bosnian state police on Wednesday evening.

By Stephan Israel

Auto Show: Leapmotor partners with Hongqi and negotiates with Ferrari.

The Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor plans to develop an electric car model abroad for one of China's oldest car brands. In parallel, the young company aims to partner with Ferrari.

By Ning Wang

Maritime dialogue: South Korea concerned about Chinese facility in disputed sea area.

At a bilateral meeting, South Korea expressed concern about a Chinese steel structure off the west coast of the Korean peninsula. The background to this are territorial disputes.

By Ning Wang

Defense industry: Parliament votes for more money and stricter funding criteria.

The European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP) is making progress. The responsible committees in the EU Parliament agreed to a compromise yesterday, which will now form the basis for the trilogue with the member states.

By Stephan Israel

Road safety: Older cars to be inspected yearly.

Speedometer fraud is to be made more difficult. This is a measure proposed by the Commission as part of the revision of EU regulations on road safety and registration procedures. As co-legislators, the ball is now in the court of Parliament and the Council.

By Markus Grabitz

Must Reads

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Iranian espionage attempt: Why Neumann wants to talk about hacking.

Green MEP Hannah Neumann has publicized Iranian hacking attempts against her office, and now warns that hybrid attacks are often neither taken seriously enough nor addressed.

By Gabriel Bub

Biodiversity: EU Commission presents proposal for the implementation of the UN Convention on the High Seas.

On Thursday, the EU Commission took a further step towards implementing the UN Convention on the High Seas. Biodiversity in the oceans is to be better protected.

By Nicolas Heronymus