Umwelthilfe received around €5 million from donations and gifts in 2021. The organization refuses to be transparent about 15 of 17 major donations, although it was required to do so according to the rules of the lobby register in the Bundestag. These are donations from natural and legal persons with a total volume of €1.5 million.
By Markus Grabitz
Gifts for the people, threats of nuclear weapons for the West – in his State of the Nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West against sending troops to Ukraine that could invade Russia. What is new is not the content of his speech, but the ultimate tone of the threat.
By Viktor Funk
Over the past five years, Ursula von der Leyen has shaped EU-China relations. She now wants to be re-elected. She still has a long to-do list before the EU can become a geopolitically relevant player.
By Amelie Richter
Energy security and climate policy will be important issues at the upcoming National People's Congress. After years of a coal boom, the pendulum could now swing back toward climate action.
By Christiane Kuehl
The "tsunami" of Chinese EVs has not materialized yet. This is due in no small part to difficulties the manufacturers are facing in distribution. Cultural differences and German bureaucracy have been underestimated by many. However, sales are expected to pick up soon.
By
Leading climate researchers have evaluated 100 statements on Austria's draft National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The latter was supposed to have already been submitted to the EU Commission, but the Austrian coalition government is deadlocked. As a result, infringement proceedings are underway against Austria.
By Lukas Bayer
On Monday, the energy ministers will discuss complaints from Central European countries against Germany's high transit fees for natural gas. If the levy were abolished at the borders, German industrial customers would have to shoulder additional costs in the five to eight figure range.
By Manuel Berkel
The Europeans want to demonstrate their strength towards Russia, but this is failing: France's president is earning opposition for his move to send soldiers to Ukraine if necessary – especially from the German chancellor.
By Till Hoppe
The planned WTO reform is supposed to restore the functionality of the dispute settlement mechanism. The EU case against China over Lithuania is currently on hold. The dispute between the Baltic state and the People's Republic continues to simmer.
By Amelie Richter
Germany's foreign policy is gaining momentum. A delegation has traveled to North Korea and Chancellor Scholz's foreign and security advisor to China. But he is confronted with clear demands there.
By Michael Radunski
