Table.Briefings

Feature

Deadlines for Euro 7 hard to meet

Euro 7 for cars and vans will arrive in July 2025 under the Commission's proposal. The date is no longer achievable due to delays in the legislative process and the rapporteur also slows the process.

By Markus Grabitz

Finance ministers discuss debt reform

Time is running short. As early as March, the heads of state and government are expected to give the Commission direction on reforming the Stability and Growth Pact. At present, however, the positions are still far apart. A meeting of the finance ministers tomorrow is unlikely to change that much.

By Max Mustermann

Building renovation: Committee wants many exceptions

Yesterday, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive passed the Parliament's Industry Committee. By 2030, existing buildings will have to meet minimum energy standards. However, almost a quarter of buildings is supposed to remain exempt from the renovation obligations for longer – it's just one of many loopholes.

By Manuel Berkel

Summit calls for simpler state aid procedures

The heads of state and government agree that the approval processes for state aid for climate-friendly technologies should become faster and more predictable. In this way, they want to preserve Europe's competitiveness. Initially, there will be no new EU funds for this purpose, but existing funds will be used more flexibly.

By Eric Bonse

USA shocked by the balloon's capabilities

To the Americans, it is clear: The downed Chinese balloon was used for espionage. But with the new findings, there is also growing certainty: The US has long underestimated China's ambitions and capabilities.

By Michael Radunski

FDP wants to make Germany 'capable of deterrence'

The German Free Democratic Party (FDP) calls for greater networking of the world's democracies in order to be able to take a stronger position vis-à-vis China. It wants Germany's economy to undergo stress tests in the event of a crisis to avoid becoming susceptible to coercion.

By

Strong opposition to Xinjiang governor's Europe trip

The US-sanctioned governor of Xinjiang, Erkin Tuniyaz, is traveling to Europe. Probably to try and downplay the human rights crimes committed by his government against the Uyghurs. This move is met with disapproval by politicians and human rights activists.

By Marcel Grzanna

Zelenskiy invokes the common European destiny

The Ukrainian president was meant to feel right at home on his trip to the EU. After his European tour via London, Paris and Brussels, the Ukrainian president hopes for the delivery of fighter jets.

By Stephan Israel

Tabelle

China's Emissions Trading System: a problem for the CBAM

The Chinese Emissions Trading System still has numerous shortcomings and is not an effective climate protection instrument. Beijing wants to tighten it up – but it remains questionable just how much. This has trade policy consequences for Europe, especially after the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

By Lukas Knigge

How Eva Kaili used the EPRS

In the EU Parliament, the main figure in the corruption scandal was responsible for a panel on scientific foresight. Kaili used the chairmanship of the EPRS for her own political work – and awarded posts to her sister and the quasi-governmental Qatar Foundation.

By Charlotte Wirth