Tobacco tax: Council presidency makes further cuts
The Cyprus Council Presidency has put forward a new compromise on tobacco taxes, offering concessions to critics on most tax rates and transition periods for member states
By Markus Grabitz
The Cyprus Council Presidency has put forward a new compromise on tobacco taxes, offering concessions to critics on most tax rates and transition periods for member states
By Markus Grabitz
Direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese diplomats on a lasting peace are expected to resume in the US this week. Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah is increasingly deploying fiber-optic drones against Israeli troops.
By Laura Hülsemann
Even a month after the fragile ceasefire took effect, there is still no sign of a negotiated settlement between Iran and the US. In Riyadh, pressure is mounting on US President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz through diplomacy.
By Markus Bickel
Companies will compete for prize money totaling €2 million. Testing will take place in Portugal in September and October.
By Robert Wallenhauer
There is a significant gap between demand and production capacity in the defense industry. Cooperation between startups and established companies could help close it, writes the head of Deutz Defense.
By Marco Herre
Germany has yet to submit a social climate plan to Brussels and, consequently, is not currently receiving funds from the EU’s Social Climate Fund. While there is no risk that the money will be forfeited, its usefulness in mitigating the social impact of the green transition is limited.
By Lukas Knigge
To avert fuel shortages caused by the war in Iran, the European Commission is authorizing the use of US fuel. Aircraft may be refueled with Jet A instead of the standard Jet A-1, while new guidelines also set out passenger rights in the event of shortages.
By Redaktion Table
Europe Day 2026 could mark a historic turning point – the kind that happens only once in a generation. But given the current mood in European capitals, we can only hope that history does not turn against Europe, says the political scientist.
By Marc De Vos
Beijing has realized that the technology holds the potential for a massive commercial market. It is actively promoting the development of this industry.
By Angela Köckritz
In China, the cutting-edge technology known as BCI is a topic of widespread interest, says Chinese neuroscientist Luo Minmin. He explains how many companies are active in this field and how the government is working to promote it.
By Angela Köckritz