About: Germany
France halts EU enlargement
France blocked the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia on Tuesday (15 October), despite the promise made by the EU to Skopje that its historic name deal with Greece, the Prespa agreement, would earn it a ticket to EU membership negotiations.
Contaminated meat scandal exposes Germany’s food safety flaws
Three people died because bacteria-contaminated food from a meat producer was sold on the European market. Although the authorities knew about the bacterial discovery, the company was only closed after two weeks. EURACTIV Germany reports.
New German rules leave 5G telecoms door open to Huawei
Germany has finalised rules for the build-out of 5G mobile networks that, in a snub to the United States, will not exclude China’s Huawei Technologies.
Ukraine sees hope for ‘last chance’ peace summit in mid-November
The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany could hold a summit in Paris in mid-November if Kyiv and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine can maintain a ceasefire, Ukraine’s foreign minister said on Monday (14 October), warning of a “last chance” for Moscow.
Macron plays appeasement card after Goulard’s rejection
After an initial outburst, French President Emmanuel Macron sought to ease tensions on Sunday (13 October) following the rejection last week of his protégée Sylvie Goulard as France's candidate for the European Commission. EURACTIV France reports.
Germany is a ‘developing country’ when it comes to tobacco regulation, expert says
While Germany is being branded a 'developing country' in terms of tobacco regulation, experts warn that a new wave of cancer illnesses may be related to the consumption of E-cigarettes. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Fourteen mayors sign declaration to promote sustainable food policies in their cities
Fourteen cities announced on Thursday (10 October) that they would pay particular attention to the sustainable and healthy food supply in their cities in the future. This way, they aim to save 60% of the carbon emissions in the food sector. EURACTIV Germany reports.
A hair’s breadth from a massacre: a closer look at the Synagogue shooting in Germany
A gunman killed two people and injured several on Wednesday, but his failure to open the Synagogue's door spared the German city of Halle from a massacre. EURACTIV's media partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
Ukraine peace drive hits first bump, but Moscow says ‘Normandy’ summit possible
Ukraine on Wednesday (9 October) refused to pull back troops in its restive east, saying for the second time this week that continued shelling by pro-Russian separatists there precluded the implementation of a disengagement agreement.
A clear, credible climate protection law is good for business, German expert says
In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, Karsten Neuhoff, a climate expert and professor, spoke about Germany's hotly-debated climate protection bill, stressing that a clear regulatory framework with "clear and credible paths for reducing emissions" is attractive for businesses.
Climate activists to block European cities for the week
Protests by climate activists took place in 60 cities around the world on Monday (7 October). The Extinction Rebellion movement has announced its intention to block Berlin for a week as it wants to urge politicians to do more to protect the climate. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany’s steel industry not changing practices despite pressure to go green
Germany's energy-intensive steel industry needs to reinvent itself so that it can meet European climate targets and remain competitive. However, there is still a long road to go before the sector goes green. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany shuns EU letter calling for higher climate goals
A group of eight EU countries has sent a letter to the incoming European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen, calling on the bloc to raise its climate ambition from a current 40% emissions reduction to a 55% cut by 2030, EURACTIV has learned.
Will Germany block EIB plans to ditch natural gas?
The European Investment Bank wants to purge its loan books of fossil fuels, including natural gas, by 2020. Although the Bank's final decision is expected to be delivered on 15 October, resistance, especially from Germany, is brewing. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German government wants to weaken country’s proposed climate protection goals
Although many have called for improvements to the German climate package, the government wants to impose a weaker formulation of the core climate protection goals. EURACTIV's partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
Le Pen’s Bulgarian ally under the spotlight for cross-border medicine trafficking
Vesselin Mareshki gained international prominence when French far-right leader Marine le Pen chose him as her political ally in Bulgaria. But things started to go wrong when Mareshki lost the European elections in May. Now, judges have recognised him as the mastermind of a cross-border network of medicine traffickers.
The impact of US sanctions on European goods: a closer look
Scotch single malt whisky, German decals, Spanish stuffed olives, British cotton bed linen... These products have one thing in common: the US plans to tax them at 25%. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Germany’s conservative interior minister now a ‘refugee saviour’
Today, Germany's conservative interior minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) is travelling to Athens to prevent a situation like the 2015 refugee crisis to happen again. He is using the opportunity to work on his image as a 'problem-solver' and is even seeking Turkey's help. EURACTIV's media partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
Zelenskiy pushes for Donbas election, faces domestic backlash
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday (3 October) that Ukrainian candidates should take part in an election that is expected to be held in the east of the country, currently controlled by pro-Russian rebels.
Germany and Netherlands sign joint declaration of intent on energy transition
Following the Dutch government's Berlin visit on Wednesday (2 October), Germany and the Netherlands signed a joint declaration of intent laying out a common energy transition plan, as well as closer cooperation in the areas of defence and asylum policy. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Austria committed to preserving environment, says sustainability minister
In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, Austria's Minister for Sustainability and Tourism, Maria Patek, spoke about her country's involvement in the European Green Belt Initiative, as well as her country's role as mediator for the various European environmental projects.
Breakthrough at talks opens way to summit on Ukraine conflict
A breakthrough at talks between Moscow and Kyiv has opened the way to the first international summit in three years being convened on ending fighting in east Ukraine.
Riesling will have a very different taste in the future
The year 2018 was an excellent vintage for German wine, despite the drought. However, with the climate getting warmer, Riesling, Germany's most famous wine, could start tasting differently. EURACTIV Germany reports.