Europe's digital economy lacks data — the Data Act is supposed to remedy this shortcoming. But the EU Commission's legislative proposal is being delayed due to internal concerns. These concern areas that also worry the economy.
By Till Hoppe
Probably the most important goal of the World Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26) is to reach an agreement on the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement — the last part of the so-called "Paris Rulebook" that has not yet been fully negotiated. The aim is to create a global CO₂ certificate trading system. The framework conditions are likely to be the subject of intense wrangling.
By Lukas Knigge
A big step for the opening of China's financial markets: Shenzhen has become the first Chinese city to issue a bond to international investors. Until now, borrowing by Chinese municipalities has been an internal affair. Foreign participation could bring a new professionalism to local government financing. But it also ties the global financial market more closely to China – for better or worse.
By Frank Sieren
Beijing is also spreading its narratives on Western social media. Especially since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, disinformation campaigns aimed at showing China in a better light have increased on the web. The success, however, has been moderate, as observers note. Nevertheless, they warn of a potential tech dependency of the West.
By Amelie Richter
According to figures, China is one of the most generous donors of development aid. Or is it? An event organized by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) provides new insights. The loans often do not have particularly favorable conditions. Moreover, there is a lack of transparency. Even Chinese officials are often unsure which funding agency grants which sums to which beneficiaries.
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Ransomware and state-tolerated or state-sponsored hacking are increasingly on the minds of institutions and companies. The revision of the Network Security and Information Directive is intended to provide some relief here — and is now on the legislative fast track.
By Falk Steiner
The negotiations on the Digital Services Act are making slow progress in the Internal Market Committee. Although the positions on the ban on personalized advertising are converging and the topic was not on the debate agenda, the Commission reheated the discussion. There was agreement that the hearing of whistleblower Frances Haugen would have consequences for the draft law.
By Jasmin Kohl
The success or failure of the World Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26) will probably be decided by the negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, agreement is also likely to be reached in other areas – with relevant consequences for global climate protection. One thorny issue is the reduction of emissions from shipping and aviation.
By Lukas Knigge
While China is pounding its chest, EU institutions and member nations are trying to improve their ties with Taiwan. The US is simultaneously supporting the greater integration of the island nation into the United Nations. And Beijing is reacting with its usual harsh rhetoric.
By Redaktion Table
Hong Kong has become the world's most closed-off financial metropolis as a result of the Covid pandemic. But despite a growing impatience from banks and businesses, borders remain tight. Banks are now ranting in an open letter about the collapsing business as a result of extreme quarantine rules.
By Redaktion Table
