Table.Briefings

Feature

'Simply leaving China is not the solution'

Germany's automotive industry must diversify and reduce its dependence on China, says Hildegard Mueller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), in an interview with Europe.Table. However, she believes that China should not be isolated, despite all the caution. "That would be naive – and fatal, both politically and economically." The interview was conducted by Markus Grabitz and Lukas Scheid.

By Redaktion Table

Digital policy (1): this fall's agenda

The Czech presidency has set itself the goal of advancing both the green and the digital transformation. It will have until the end of the year to do so. Part 1 of our summary of the digital projects for the fall of 2022.

By Redaktion Table

Top candidates: competition for von der Leyen?

Elections in the European Parliament are not due until 2024. But the European parties are already beginning to prepare for the occasion. In Brussels, it is considered certain that at least the Christian Democrats and Socialists will again nominate top candidates. The EPP candidates will be particularly interesting, as there could be two prominent female candidates.

By Markus Grabitz

Outlook: the fall agenda of EU climate policy

With the trilogues on ETS reform and the introduction of CBAM, two fundamental parts of the Fit for 55 package will enter the final negotiations this fall – and possibly be finalized. But until then, numerous conflict lines need to be sorted out. And then there's COP27.

By Lukas Knigge

Commission works on electricity price cap

Experts at the Commission are proposing a three-pronged emergency measure to counter high electricity prices: an electricity-saving target, skimming excess profits of non-price-setting power plants and redistributing them back to households and SMEs. In the event of a gas shortage, there could also be aid for critical industries.

By Manuel Berkel

Taiwan China Medianlinie

How important is the median line in the Taiwan Strait?

The so-called median line between Mainland China and Taiwan was previously considered an unofficial border and respected by both parties to the conflict. But since Pelosi's visit, Beijing has sent more and more warships on provocative practice runs across the median line. The risk of an accidental escalation is growing.

By Christiane Kuehl

Xinjiang report sparks harsh reactions

In Germany, the UN report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang is causing harsh reactions. The German Foreign Office calls for the immediate release of all detainees, while human rights politicians demand a discussion about Volkswagen's involvement in the region. Beijing itself was blindsided by the directness of the accusations.

By Marcel Grzanna

The new opium crisis

Following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China has ended its cooperation with the US in terms of counter-narcotics. The cooperation has long been shaped by conflicts and recriminations on both sides. Now, the withdrawal could push up the already soaring numbers of fentanyl victims even further.

By Redaktion Table

EU entry made more difficult for Russians

For weeks, the EU has been debating the issuance of visas to Russian tourists. In Prague, foreign ministers have now agreed to suspend the visa deal with Russia. But some states are planning further restrictions.

By Ella Joyner

Germany works on 69-euro public transport ticket

The nationwide 9-euro ticket has expired. The plan is to continue it as a 69-euro ticket. The federal government is still negotiating the financing with the states. The "company car privilege" is not to be touched. However, a mileage log may have to be kept in the future.

By Markus Grabitz