The European automotive industry is calling on lawmakers to lower the carbon emission targets for passenger cars, delivery vans, and heavy commercial vehicles for 2030 and 2035. It says the Commission’s proposals are unrealistic.
By Markus Grabitz and Manuel Berkel
China’s leadership wants to stimulate domestic consumption through market reforms. However, the focus of the new Five-Year Plan is on technological strength and innovation. Behind this is an open bet on future technologies as growth drivers.
By Leonardo Pape and Jörn Petring
The Communist Party uses the National People’s Congress (NPC) as a strategic tool to co-opt China’s elites. A look at the delegate roster reveals power shifts at the highest level of influence.
By Leonardo Pape
Following the attack on Iran, Friedrich Merz met with Donald Trump in Washington. While the German chancellor took pains to avoid directly contradicting Trump, the US president unleashed sharp criticism of his European partners.
By Sara Sievert
The federal government took its time with the announcement – in part because it did not want to irritate Beijing ahead of Merz’s China trip.
By Angela Köckritz
The way the Islamic Republic is portraying the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as an attack on Islam, as well as the regional escalation, signals a war for the regime's survival. Experts from the Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG) describe possible scenarios.
By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)
To boost China’s domestic consumption, stronger redistribution is needed, says Klaus Mühlhahn of Freie Universität Berlin. But Xi Jinping suspects that transfers foster a welfare mentality.
By Leonardo Pape
Europeans have been guarded in their comments on “Operation Epic Fury,” the military action being taken by the US and Israel in Iran. They criticize Iran’s arbitrary counterattacks, warn against escalation, and avoid explicit criticism so as not to anger the Trump administration.
By Stephan Israel
Iran’s counterstrikes – alongside attacks on Israel – are hitting the Gulf states particularly hard. Yet the latter’s economic model depends on stability in the Middle East – a reliance that, if the conflict drags on, is likely to translate into criticism of their US ally.
By Markus Bickel and Viktor Funk
Uruguay and Argentina are the first Mercosur countries to ratify the free trade agreement with the EU. This increases pressure on the European Commission to proceed with provisional application. Geopolitical factors also play a role.
By Antonia Zimmermann
