China's zero-Covid policy brings tough restrictions for companies. But they also benefit from measures that would be unimaginable in the West: Workers are isolated from the outside world. They stay overnight and live in or directly at the factories so that they do not catch Covid-19 during their commute or at home. First protests are mounting against this practice.
By Nico Beckert
Hong Kong's Cardinal Joseph Zen has been a thorn in the side of both the Vatican and the Communist Party over the past few years. He supported the city's protest movement and criticized the Catholic Church for a "bad deal" with the People's Republic. On Wednesday, the 90-year-old was arrested on charges of conspiring with foreign forces - just three days after former Security Chief John Lee was elected as the city's next Chief Executive.
By Marcel Grzanna
France's president sparked a debate with his Europe Day speech: Does the EU need a precursor to membership? There is sympathy for it in the community, but the aspirants react suspiciously.
By Till Hoppe
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson wants to improve the protection of children with a proposed regulation. But the proposal is full of controversial points. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already become acquainted with one of them.
By Falk Steiner
The EU Parliament's rapporteurs cleared a huge hurdle on Tuesday on the way to redesigning the European emissions trading system. They agreed on the introduction of a second ETS for buildings and transport. Nevertheless, there are open questions at the CBAM.
By Lukas Knigge
Solar panels should pay off their costs more quickly for homeowners in the future. This is the aim of the Commission's draft solar strategy. The member states are also to significantly accelerate the construction of solar power with new programs starting next year.
By Manuel Berkel
China could find a new friend in the central European EU state of Slovenia. The right-wing populist Janez Janša, who recently went toe-to-toe with Beijing, has been voted out of office. Foreign policy played virtually no role in the election campaign, and the designated government under Robert Golob is primarily focused on economic growth.
By Amelie Richter
Beijing faces a Covid lockdown. Omicron thus reaches the political heart of China. And the costs of this policy rise considerably - economically, socially, and increasingly politically. Yet China indulges in vaccine nationalism. Why does Xi Jinping continue to cling to zero-Covid?
By Michael Radunski
Many EU states want to spend more money on defense. But for what exactly, is mostly unclear. The Commission is expected to make proposals next week, including on financing. The main goal is to persuade governments to cooperate.
By Redaktion Table
The war in Ukraine has significantly exacerbated the crisis on the global food market. The EU Commission wants to remedy the situation and, among other things, temporarily allow the agricultural use of ecological fallow land. Almost all EU countries are making use of this. Germany is not one of them. This is met with criticism.
By Timo Landenberger
