Table.Briefings

Feature

Carbon sinks: Agriculture Council criticizes Commission plans

Strengthening natural carbon sinks is an important part of efforts to achieve EU climate targets. On Thursday, the Council of Agriculture Ministers scrutinized the Commission's proposed revamp of the so-called LULUCF Regulation and a number of concerns came to light.

By Timo Landenberger

France: uncertainty grows

Two weeks ago, President Emmanuel Macron was still considered the clear frontrunner in the presidential election, but now it looks like it will be a close call. Left-winger Jean-Luc Mélenchon could provide a surprise.

By

EU-China summit: Brussels' mistakes

The EU-China summit largely failed to produce any results. But who is to blame? Experts believe that poor preparation was one of the reasons for the failed summit. The EU did not respond to the Chinese ideas. Much of Europe's China policy is based on misjudgments.

By

Liu He

Is Vice Premier Liu a candidate for higher office?

Vice Premier Liu He is considered a confidant of China's President Xi Jinping and his chief economic advisors. The 70-year-old pushes for a greater market economy and stronger internationalization, and even gains the attention of foreign stock exchanges in the process. The incumbent Premier Li Keqiang is left out in the cold. Could Xi have big plans for Liu?

By Frank Sieren

'The EU makes wrong assumptions'

The EU-China summit largely failed to produce any results. But who is to blame? Experts believe that poor preparation was one of the reasons for the failed summit. The EU did not respond to the Chinese ideas. The EU also blindsided its interlocutors by abruptly changing the agenda. Much of Europe's China policy is based on misjudgments.

By

Spain and Portugal: Iberian exception for gas prices

Madrid and Lisbon are proposing to Brussels to cap the price of gas at €30 in order to halve the price of electricity. This is a temporary special measure for the two countries, which are poorly connected to the European energy network and do not rely on Russian gas.

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Zero covid: travel problems and disrupted supply chains

Foreign companies in China are feeling the increasing brunt of the country's harsh Covid measures. Supply chains are disrupted, and logistics are not working. And in many places, no one can get to work anymore. Despite all the acceptance for the fight against Omicron, companies call for more transparency and plannability.

By Christiane Kuehl

China Methan Emissionen Reisfelder

Saving the climate: methane shifts into focus

China is unable to deal with its methane emissions. The country's coal sector in particular emits enormous amounts of this gas, which is even more harmful to the climate than CO2. Politicians currently have other priorities than tackling this problem. Yet, by managing the gas more efficiently, plants could even use it as an additional source of energy.

By Ning Wang