BASF is now producing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries in Schwarzheide, aiming to reduce the CO2 footprint of EVs, among other things. A project of strategic importance for the EU, as the European battery industry urgently needs to become more competitive.
By Leonie Düngefeld
Spain takes over the presidency of the EU Council on Sunday. The left-wing government led by Pedro Sánchez was seen as a door opener to China. Now, however, elections will be held at the end of July – and Sánchez could lose his post. Two important EU initiatives in particular are at the top of the Spanish agenda over the next six months.
By Amelie Richter
China has passed a new legal basis for its foreign policy. Xi Jinping now has the means to take "countermeasures" against Western threats. That is China's prerogative. The problem: Beijing currently sees its sovereignty, security and development interests threatened by foreign countries on many levels.
By Michael Radunski
To achieve the EU's climate targets, agriculture must also significantly reduce its emissions. The Commission is now in the early stages of developing a pricing model. But the hurdles are high – and time is short.
By Timo Landenberger
The developed countries have signed the world's fourth Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP) with Senegal. It will not support controversial gas production. Instead, the JETP agreement is intended to finance renewables.
By Lucia Weiß
As hydrogen technology ramps up, business representatives are concerned about a bottleneck: They say there is a shortage of raw materials for the production of electrolyzers. But experts give the all-clear.
By Nico Beckert
Despite climate deniers propping up the government in Stockholm, experts are pleased with the Swedish EU Presidency on climate policy: Fair negotiations, successful legislation, and many proposals implemented. And if there were any doubts, Sweden voted against itself.
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Whether and when the digital euro will come is for the ECB to decide. But the Commission has now made a proposal as to what the legal framework for a future digital currency might look like. Important is: It should complement cash, not replace it.
By Corinna Visser
The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine could lead to controversial discussions at the EU summit today and tomorrow. The migration crisis and future China policy will also be topics at the meeting of EU heads of state and government.
By Redaktion Table
The recent German-Chinese government consultations were marked by a new sense of mistrust in the field of research. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) currently sees "limited scope for new collaborations". The scientific community is seeking a new approach. Experts recommend case-by-case considerations and increased dialogue instead of less.
By Tim Gabel
