More tapas, less one-pot:The unanimity rule, under which all member states must agree unanimously on certain sensitive issues, is a thorn in the side of many of Europe's citizens, as the conference on the future of Europe revealed. Will there be a far-reaching reform of the European project?
By Claire Stam
In the event that Russia turns off the gas tap to additional member states, the EU should be prepared, write Isabella M. Weber and Karsten Neuhoff. Negotiations on contingency plans should begin immediately. In doing so, they say, particular attention should be paid to issues of fairness, solidarity and legitimacy.
By Redaktion Table
The EU Commission's sixth sanctions package with the gradual exit from Russian oil is meeting with mixed reactions from industry and business associations. Experts doubt the effect, while Hungary and Slovakia reject the package in its current form.
By Stephan Israel
It could soon become more uncomfortable for Chinese companies in the EU when it comes to public construction, supply, and service contracts. Brussels wants to put a stop to cheap offers from the People's Republic with new EU regulations. The rules are also intended to make China open up its own procurement market more to Europeans. But whether that will work is questionable.
By Amelie Richter