To achieve the pledged contribution to the climate target, China's industries would have to rapidly reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the Five-Year Climate Plan for the sector that has now been presented does not utilize its full capacity. Are the planners already preparing to overachieve in the socialist tradition?
By Nico Beckert
Staff changes at VW: Ralf Brandstaetter, the former head of the core VW brand, becomes the group's new China board member. He is supposed to secure the company's market leadership in China. It is said to relieve Herbert Diess, the Group's battered CEO, of some of his workload. But he will also lose influence. And Audi China is getting a new president in the process.
By Redaktion Table
The European Union has responded to the COVID pandemic with a comprehensive package of measures. Most recently, a new health authority with the divine name HERA was established to make provisions for future emergencies. However, at yesterday's Council meeting of health ministers, there was headwind against the EU Commission's so-called HERA crisis regulation. There is also harsh criticism from the European Parliament.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The Digital Services Act is on the home stretch in the European Parliament: Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose has managed to convince the representatives of the other political groups of her compromises. Next week, the Internal Market Committee will vote on it. We highlight the most important points of the compromise.
By Redaktion Table
Due to a conflict with Lithuania, Chinese customs are blocking goods from the country – providing the backdrop for the presentation of the EU instrument against economic coercion. But experts expect discussions among member states and warn against watering it down.
By Amelie Richter
David versus Goliath: The dispute between Beijing and Lithuania has reached a new level. For several days, Chinese customs blocked goods from the Baltic EU state. Shortly before the presentation of the EU's instrument against economic coercion, China is thus providing a prime example of a possible application of the new EU instrument. Details of this defense mechanism have yet to be worked out. Experts warn that member states could dilute it.
By Amelie Richter
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. As expected, China's reaction is furious. But Washington expects the new German government to take a stand as well. That could prove difficult.
By Felix Lee
The new cabinet is in place, but responsibilities are still being wrangled over. But it is foreseeable that the Greens will shape German policy in the EU – and thus secure a key position of power for themselves.
By Till Hoppe
With a restructuring of climate policy, the new federal government wants to end the rivalry between the environment and economics ministries. This is intended to transform Germany from a brake on climate protection to a driver of it in Europe. The new "super ministry" under Robert Habeck will nevertheless have to reckon with headwind. Especially from the coalition partner FDP.
By Timo Landenberger
China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 was met with high hopes in the Western world. The integration of the emerging country into the multilateral organization was supposed to promote not only global prosperity, but also free entrepreneurial activity in China. These hopes were largely disappointed. Although prosperity has increased, China is still not a free market economy.
By Felix Lee
