There is no crystal ball for predicting developments – but when it comes to the climate, some things are relatively clear: global warming will continue, the UN process will revolve around the fossil fuel phase-out, finance will be a key issue, and elections will change politics. An outlook for the coming year.
By Bernhard Pötter
This year was a pivotal year for climate policy: record temperatures, the start of the fossil fuel phase-out, the success of renewables, debates about financing. But what really mattered? A review of 2023.
By Bernhard Pötter
Just in time for the winter break, the Council has also adopted its position on the Packaging Regulation. This means that the trilogue negotiations can begin in January. These are likely to be difficult, especially when it comes to the issues of single-use bans and reusable quotas.
By Leonie Düngefeld
The EU finance ministers have agreed on a reform of the European debt rules. This was made possible by a step-by-step agreement between Germany and France.
By Max Mustermann
The EU has agreed on a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). However, many projects have yet to be tested in practice. In particular, the new rules on asylum procedures at the external borders are on shaky ground.
By Eric Bonse
The Ver.di union accuses Cosco Shipping in Hamburg of wage violations because the Chinese shipping company wants its containers to be secured by its own seafarers. At least, that's the apparent issue. Because behind the dispute lies a political matter.
By Christian Domke Seidel
Germany is massively underrepresented in the EU institutions. The EU's largest country accounts for 18.6 percent of the EU population. In the Commission, the Parliament and the Council, however, Germany consistently accounts for less than ten percent of civil servants, temporary and contract staff.
By Markus Grabitz
The worst earthquake in China in almost a decade is a tragedy for those affected. However, it is clear that the authorities have learned a lot since the big 2008 Wenchuan quake that killed over 70,000 people.
By Jörn Petring
The final text of COP28 does not contain the phase-out of fossil fuels that many countries had hoped for. However, many still see the somewhat ambiguously worded sentence on "phasing out fossil fuels" as a clear signal that the end of the fossil fuel era has been heralded.
By Lukas Knigge
Even after ten years, Valdis Dombrovskis wants to continue his work in the Commission. In former Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, he has a notable rival in his own party, although he is currently the subject of much criticism in Latvia.
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