Table.Briefings

Feature

The WHO's next attempt at uncovering virus origin

A new science group of the World Health Organization wants to uncover the origin of the Covid pandemic. German virologist Christian Drosten may be among them. The lab theory is not officially the focus of interest – it is more about genetics and intermediate hosts. Nevertheless, those responsible are hoping to gain new insights. Is China opening up to sample collection?

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Toolbox against energy prices: the Commission's two-part approach

The EU Commission presented its toolbox against high energy prices on Wednesday and outlined a two-part approach to solving the problem: In the short term, the EU states could help consumers and industry with emergency measures. In the long term, strategic measures should prevent further price shocks.

By Timo Landenberger

AI regulation: competence dispute in Parliament reaches next stage

Although the Commission already adopted its proposal in April, the negotiations on the artificial intelligence regulation in the European Parliament have not started. This is because several committees are criticizing the sole leadership of the Internal Market Committee. A supposed solution proposal seems to rekindle the conflict.

By Jasmin Kohl

Evergrande continues to miss payment deadlines

Everyone's suspicions are now being confirmed: Evergrande can't service its loans. The real estate group is missing one payment deadline after another. But the International Monetary Fund still believes China can cope with the situation without major consequences for the entire economy. Meanwhile, Evergrande's car division made a surprise announcement.

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Banma: smart car software startup

Car software developers like Alibaba-backed start-up Banma are becoming more important to the automobile market because the car of the future increasingly resembles a rolling, very complex smartphone. It is defined by its software, which can be easily updated wirelessly. Chinese companies are very active and successful in this field.

By Frank Sieren

DSA: Greens want ban on personalized advertising

In the online advertising debate, solutions that combine data protection and economic interests are in demand. Green MEP Alexandra Geese is now calling for a radical step: she wants to ban personalized advertising in the Digital Services Act.

By Redaktion Table

Strategic standardization

China is using its technological expertise to exert strategic influence via technical standardization. Newly published guidelines show Beijing's current strategy: the domestic standards system is to be standardized and thus gain more international significance. The EU and Germany are still working on appropriate responses.

By Amelie Richter

Startled industry: Power supply remains tight until winter

Analysts and industry representatives expect China's energy crisis to drag on for a long time – probably well into next year. While the government quickly announced countermeasures, the causes of the crisis are so complex that they can hardly be resolved on short notice.

By Nico Beckert

Those who determine standards, set the course

In order to live up to its claim to technical leadership, Beijing has recognized the power of determining standards. Newly published guidelines show Beijing's two-pronged approach: Its domestic standards system is to be unified and is to gain more significance internationally.

By Amelie Richter

EU and Poland: the Commission's options

The EU Commission is under pressure to act, following the ruling by the Polish Constitutional Court on the ratio between national law and EU law. It must act quickly and decisively if it wants to prevent the erosion of Community law. But not all means are a lever to success.

By Eric Bonse