About: Berlin
Expert : Germany could use EU presidency to shape EU-China relations
In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, director of the Asia programme of the European Council of Foreign Relations, Dr Janka Oertel, described how Germany could play a pivotal role in changing the EU's relations with China and might even force the exclusion of Huawei from the planned 5G expansion across the EU.
Case against Tesla: Are German environmental groups abusing their rights to sue?
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.
German farmers will ‘have to declare bankruptcy’ if CAP direct payments are capped
From 2021, the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is intended to be more closely linked to environmental requirements. But this could lead to large conventional farms facing existential threats. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Bayer now facing 42,700 compensation claims over glyphosate
Bayer is now facing 42,700 compensation claims, mostly in US courts. CEO Werner Baumann is calling for an "economically-viable" settlement of these cases but has also announced that 12,000 jobs will be cut by the end of 2021. EURACTIV's partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
New German climate package a ‘slap in the face’, young activists say
The climate march in Berlin last Friday came just at the moment when the German climate cabinet unveiled its new policy package – a proposal youth climate activists denounced as a "slap in the face". EURACTIV Germany reports.
Northern Group aims to step up regional security cooperation
Only days after the NATO-led maritime manoeuvre BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) tested the waters in the Baltic Sea region, Northern Group defence ministers met on Tuesday (25 June) in Berlin in an attempt to deepen their cooperation. The so-called Northern Group...
Cocaine trafficking reaching record highs, says EU drug agency
Cocaine seizure in the EU reached record highs in 2017 and the trafficking of synthetic drugs has also increased, according to this year's European Drug Report. A closer look into Berlin's drug help centre shows how drug consumption is linked to mental health. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany wants UN Security Council more involved in mitigating climate crisis
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas launched a call for action on Tuesday (4 June) that aims to develop real solutions that would mitigate the security risks of climate change. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Vestager calls for more access to data for smaller platforms
Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager made a suggestion at the re:publica conference in Berlin: "Access to data has to be redesigned so that newcomers can compete with big tech giants". In a discussion with EURACTIV, she also drew parallels with a recent complaint by Spotify and similar lawsuits. EURACTIV Germany reports.
“Time is Brain”: How ERDF funds save lives in Berlin
The most comprehensive EU regional development instrument is the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). But in most cases, its work remains largely unknown to the public. An example from Berlin shows how it literally saves lives. EURACTIV Germany reports.
What role should Germany’s new federal government play in Europe?
Brexit, EU enlargement, the Greek debt crisis: during the German election campaign European politics has hardly played a role.
How much CAP is on our plates?
The European Commission has just started the first phase of modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Berlin Christmas market attack ‘affects all Europe’
French President François Hollande and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker sent the German people their sympathies after a truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin yesterday evening (19 December) killing 12 people in what police this morning described as "an attack".
Progress over Ukraine war at Berlin summit with Putin
Moscow and Kiev agreed Wednesday (19 October) to end a deadlock on the conflict in eastern Ukraine by the end of November, Ukraine's president said, after a four-way summit in Berlin with the leaders of France and Germany.
ISIS in Würzburg
Following an axe attack on a Bavarian commuter train on Monday (18 July) by an Afghan asylum seeker claiming allegiance to ISIS, Germany’s news media were awash with reports that the terrorist organisation had finally staged a successful attack. EURACTIV.com news editor Joel Schalit, was almost there.
Merkel grants May until new year to trigger Article 50
German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave her opposite number Theresa May breathing space to come up with a Brexit negotiation position on Wednesday (20 July), concurring with the new British PM that London will not trigger Article 50 until the New Year.
Airbnb awaits Berlin ruling on legality of home-sharing
A Berlin court is due to make a landmark ruling with ramifications for home rental firms such as Airbnb on Wednesday (8 June) when it decides if homeowners can engage in short-term lets.
At Ramadan, refugees in Europe dream of family and comfort food
As Ramadan began in Germany on Monday (6 June), Syrian asylum seeker Khairallah Swaid said he would pray for a reunion with his wife, who is stranded at a camp in Greece, and crave his mother's makloubeh, a meat and rice dish served during the fasting month.
European mayors urge clampdown on diesel emissions
The mayors of 20 European cities including Madrid, Paris and Copenhagen, but excluding London, have called for more stringent regulations to be put in place across the continent to tackle the deadly levels of air pollution caused by diesel vehicles. EURACTIV’s partner edie.net reports.
Shortlist for European Capital of Innovation unveiled
Milan and Turin are among the nine cities that have made it to the final stage of the competition to be named European Capital of Innovation. EURACTIV Italy reports.
Osborne makes Berlin Brexit negotiation plea
British Chancellor George Osborne took the UK’s argument for a renegotiated relationship between his country and the EU to the capital of the continent’s strongest economy on Tuesday – promising to back a stronger eurozone if London’s conditions were met.
German government hits back after TTIP demo
Despite the massive anti-TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) protest in Berlin on Saturday (10 October), the German government and industry still want to press on with the negotiations. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Biggest anti-TTIP rally to hit Berlin
Once again, anti-TTIP and CETA demonstrators will take to the streets of Berlin tomorrow (10 October). EURACTIV Germany reports.