The planned revision of the European Air Passenger Rights Regulation has been touted for years as a necessary modernization, according to the head of Flightright. But it could actually lower the level of protection. Abandoning the process would be better than settling for a compromise.
By Jan-Frederik Arnold
For the first time, a structured nationwide framework will support peatland rewetting on a meaningful scale, writes one of Germany’s leading peatland researchers. The key for climate action is not setting land aside, but finding productive ways to use it.
By Franziska Tanneberger
If the IAA is truly opened up to EU free-trade partners, there is a risk of competition from Chinese-controlled manufacturers in Vietnam or South Korea. The opening should be limited to close allies, and the IAA should take effect as early as 2027 – not least for security reasons.
By Christoph Podewils
Péter Magyar’s victory in Hungary marks a defeat for anti-EU populism. Legal expert and strategic advisor Marc De Vos asks whether this is a turning point, or merely a temporary interlude ahead of more significant elections in larger member states.
By Marc De Vos
The energy crisis is exposing the diversity of energy strategies within the EU. Instead of honest debates about structural problems, political concessions that offer no sustainable solution are dominating the discourse, writes the head of the think tank Strategic Perspectives.
By Linda Kalcher
On Tuesday, Andrea Wechsler (CDU) and Nicolás González Casares (S&D) will present the European Resilience Alliance for Clean Hydrogen & Derivatives alongside Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera and industry representatives. Wechsler is calling for greater coordination along the value chain.
By Andrea Wechsler
Never before have international development funds been cut as drastically as they are now. While it is true that we must be careful about how we spend money, much of what falls under the category of development aid is also a sound investment for the donors, says Philipp Rotmann, a security expert and director of the Global Public Policy Institute.
By Philipp Rotmann
The Iran war is worsening the US energy problem and threatening its AI infrastructure. China, by contrast, is using its robust energy base to secure decisive advantages in the global AI race.
By Björn Ognibeni
Europe is underestimating a strategic shift in modern warfare: the intentional targeting of critical infrastructure. Russia has targeted Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure for years, but such energy systems have become central in the Iran War. Energy infrastructure is a particular focus: Strikes on gas and oil facilities illustrate how quickly economies can be destabilized by disrupting power grids, industrial production, and civilian supply. The resilience of critical infrastructure must move to the center of Germany’s and Europe’s defense and security agenda.
By Nina Locher and Loyle Campbell
Ireland is considering changing how it calculates its methane emissions target in the future. If the “temperature neutrality” approach gains traction in Europe, it would lead to unfairness and weaker climate action, warns Environmental Action Germany’s (DUH) methane expert.
By Marc Meunier
