France's missteps in West Africa demonstrate that Europe can only succeed in Africa collectively. France and Germany should take the lead in developing joint projects. A new model for special economic zones could be one such project.
By Experts Table.Briefings
The debate surrounding the controversial Xinjiang opinion piece by two China scholars sheds light on the problems of German sinology. However, on the way to more credibility, it should not lose itself in infighting, but tackle challenges constructively. After all, China expertise is currently in higher demand than ever in politics and the media.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Next week, the Parliament and the Council will meet to negotiate the proposal to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector. It marks a race against time because the EU aims to present a text in just a few weeks for COP28 in Dubai.
By Claire Stam
Deng Xiaoping, China's state and party leader from 1979 to 1997, was the only Chinese leader to admit mistakes publicly. Xi Jinping has never done so. But shortly before the Third Plenum, where the leadership sets the future course, it would be imperative to do so. It is the only way to pull the economy out of the pit of stagnation.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Hardly anyone in Brussels still expects the EU Commission to present the framework for a sustainable food system before the end of this legislative term. This is probably due to the election campaign, but puts the food sovereignty of future generations at risk, says Elisa Kollenda of WWF.
By Experts Table.Briefings
The flood disaster in Libya is yet another example that clearly shows that the effects of climate change are exacerbated where government structures are weak or non-existent. This is where humanitarian aid is particularly difficult. It is up to politicians to tackle this – including through ambitious climate efforts.
By Redaktion Table
After their article for the Neue Zuercher Zeitung (NZZ), sinologists Thomas Heberer and Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer have been accused of a lack of distance from the Chinese party state. After a visit to Xinjiang, they recommended lifting sanctions against Chinese officials. In China.Table, the emeritus professors now comment on open questions for the first time.
By Experts Table.Briefings
On Tuesday, the General Council will negotiate whether Catalan will become an official language in the EU. Unanimity is required. There are currently five languages in the EU that are official languages in member states but not official languages of the EU. One of them is Catalan.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promises to become continuously greener since its inception in 2013. This is also driven by the demands of partner countries. But there is still a lot to do to make the BRI truly independent of fossil fuels like coal.
By Experts Table.Briefings
The vote in the Environment Committee (ENVI) next Wednesday will decide who will be asked to pay for the reuse of wastewater: only industry, as the Commission envisages – or industry and consumers.
By Claire Stam
