The European Commission proposed numerous changes to its cohesion policy rulebook on Thursday (2 April) in order to draw €37 billion of unused funds to finance various measures during the coronavirus pandemic. But these measures can only help to a limited extent. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The German government has rejected parliament proposals to ease restrictions on the construction of new wind turbines, exposing deep divisions in one of Europe's pioneering nations for renewable energies. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany's energy transition or 'Energiewende', which came into force 20 years ago today, would not have been possible without the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). As a number of questions still remain unanswered, EURACTIV Germany talked to one of its architects.
At the last minute, the German Bundesrat approved a new fertiliser regulation to avoid having to pay high penalties to the EU on Friday. But many farmers are afraid of going bankrupt, now that they will not be allowed to use as much fertiliser, starting in 2021. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The German logistics industry and the food trade are taking joint measures to ensure food safety. However, problems still exist with seasonal workers need to work in the fields. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU leaders on Thursday (26 March) continued to disagree over the economic response to the coronavirus as Northern countries rejected the idea of issuing joint debt, known as "corona bonds", proposed by nine member states to finance the recovery.
There is no shortage of food during the coronavirus pandemic, but farmers are urgently looking for seasonal workers for the harvest. The German government wants to help by relaxing employment rules and providing online placement. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Water pollution, illegally dumped waste – crimes against the environment are difficult to trace back and prosecute properly. A recent report shows the magnitude and costs of this problem. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on Germany's demand for electricity. According to initial projections, Germany could emit between 50 and 120 million tons less CO2 this year, meaning it could even exceed its climate target. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) has promised "far-reaching measures" by the German military to contain the coronavirus pandemic. She said that up to 3,000 military doctors were available, and that the allocation of medical material was already underway. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Supermarkets in Germany will not close and there will be no problems with food production, says German Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner. Meanwhile, at the European level, officials are seeking ways to simplify cross-border food transports. EURACTIV Germany reports.
There are only a few months left until Germany will take over the EU Presidency. But the ongoing corona crisis could really upset the plans, says the president of the European Movement Germany. What can the EU actually do in these turbulent times?
Most of the drugs sold worldwide come from India and China, where production is cheapest. As a result, Europe's supply of medicines is in the hands of a few companies. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg has ruled that the construction of Nord Stream 2 pipeline project could continue, rejecting a complaint over a plot of land through which the pipeline should pass and finally clearing the path for the German-Russian project. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made her first public statement about the coronavirus epidemic on Wednesday (11 March), saying that financial reserves and good emergency mechanisms make Germany well-prepared. "We will do what is necessary," she added. EURACTIV Germany reports.
With its new industrial strategy, the European Commission wants to promote climate-friendly innovations, unlocking billions in investment into clean technologies. However, it remains unclear how companies will be supported in the transition. EURACTIV Germany reports.
While the European Commission is working on a new climate target for 2030, initial reports on Germany's climate package show that the current targets are already being missed. Although it is undeniable that these climate targets will be increased, how will it be possible to reach them? EURACTIV Germany reports.
While the European Commission readies its new industrial strategy for Tuesday (10 March), it is also working on plans to promote wind farms at sea – an area where Berlin is keen to make quick progress. EURACTIV Germany reports.
While insect-based foods have so far been quite a niche product, they are viewed as a highly promising solution to the challenges facing the food industry. Although new EU regulations should pave the way for these products - European eating habits might have to change too. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU environment ministers will debate on Thursday (5 March) whether the EU directive on water protection is still up to date. However, the European industry lobby is trying to influence ministers to change the directive, according to a leaked letter seen by EURACTIV Germany.
While Germany is set on tightening its fertiliser regulation after the EU Commission sued the country for excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, a new study has linked agriculture and particularly animal fattening with groundwater pollution. Could the European Commission drop its lawsuit against Germany? EURACTIV Germany reports.
Can a pork cutlet which is on special offer be of high quality and still feed the farmer who produced it? Given the current imbalance in Germany's food industry, EURACTIV Germany travelled to Brandenburg to discuss good food and fair prices with one of the region's organic farmer.
As Poland plans to build six nuclear plants, it has to inform its neighbours about potential environmental consequences. Given that it has not yet told anyone, but for Austria, could this mean that Poland is ignoring international rules? EURACTIV Germany reports.
Two environmental associations have brought a case against the clearing of forests for a new Tesla factory in Brandenburg, saying they want to protect the environment. But is it possible that these associations are not seeing the bigger picture and are acting against their own cause? EURACTIV Germany reports.
