Daniel Eck
Fact-check: Germany is EU’s fifth-worst offender, with 76 infringement proceedings
Last week, the European Commission initiated three new infringement proceedings against Germany for failing to implement EU law, bringing the total to 76. But even though this may seem like a lot, Berlin is by far not the EU's worst offender. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Von der Leyen admits mistakes, denies responsibility in defence contract scandal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denied personal liability but admitted mistakes had been made as she faced questions from lawmakers in the Bundestag yesterday (13 February) in the so-called "advisor affair". EURACTIV Germany reports.
Committee of the Regions welcomes Green group for the first time
For the first time, the EU's Committee of the Regions has enough Green members to form their own group. The group, who already met on Tuesday (11 February), is keen to have good relations with the other groups but also wants to "exert pressure". EURACTIV Germany reports.
Huawei shouldn’t be getting its hopes up for German 5G expansion just yet
Although the CDU and CSU did not explicitly decide on the exclusion of Huawei, their position paper provided exclusion criteria that could nonetheless apply to the Chinese telecom giant. The ball is now in the court of the coalition partners, the Social Democratic Party (SPD). EURACTIV Germany reports.
Fact-check : Are Germany’s nitrate levels false?
The European Commission sued Germany before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for excessive nitrate levels in groundwater. Yet, with critics harping on about Germany's measuring methods, can it be said that Germany is deliberately sending the EU its worst water values? EURACTIV Germany does a fact-check.
MEPs bare teeth at illegal cats and dogs trade
The European Parliament is calling for a halt to the illegal trade in pets to protect animal welfare and public health but also to combat what has become an all too lucrative business. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
In Paris, organic farming takes over fallow parking lots
In Paris, as in many European cities, the number of cars is declining, which is leaving a vast amount of underground car parks empty. With its start-up project called "La Caverne", Cycloponics is reclaiming these urban territories using them as a way of growing plenty of organic vegetables. EURACTIV France reports.
German Conservatives vote ‘in unison’ against excluding Huawei from 5G network
After months of discussion, the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) voted against excluding Huawei from Germany's 5G network. Yet, strict criteria to minimise security risks will be imposed, EURACTIV Germany reports.
Lawmakers pressure Paris to do more for EU budget
MEPs in charge of negotiating the EU's next seven-year budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), came to Paris to seek France's support before the start of decisive talks on the future European budget. EURACTIV France reports.
Germany should be more Chinese – at least a bit
While China has shown it needs a few days to build a hospital, infrastructure projects in Germany are making no progress. But politicians from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) now want to change this. EURACTIV's partner WirtschaftsWoche reports.
Coronavirus could hurt German economy due to its reliance on China
Since the coronavirus outbreak started, the Chinese economy has begun to suffer. As a result, Germany, and particularly its car industry, could also lose out as China is its most important trading partner. EURACTIV Germany reports.
‘Flight shame’? Europeans have never flown as frequently
Many people claim they are flying less to protect the environment but the figures say otherwise. The aviation industry is doing better than ever and its emissions have more than doubled since 1990. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Thuringia election debacle causes turmoil in the European Parliament
After 25 hours in office, the now-former Minister-President of Thuringia, liberal candidate Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) was forced to resign as his party wanted to shake-off the "stigma" linked to being supported by far-right party AfD. The political crisis has reached Brussels, causing quite the uproar among Renew MEPs. EURACTIV France reports.
BREAKING: Thuringia’s newly elected Minister President Kemmerich steps down
Only 25 hours after his election, the new Thuringian Minister-President Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) has announced his resignation. He is stepping down to "remove the stigma of the AfD's support from the Minster-President's office".
French MEPs mobilise for upcoming French municipal elections
French MEPs are mobilising for the French municipal elections and have shown open support for some candidates. Conservative MEP Agnès Evren is even the top candidate of Les Républicains (LR) for the elections in the 15th Paris arrondissement. EURACTIV France reports.
French Court of Auditors sounds the alarm on use of phytosanitary products
In 2018 alone, the French government spent €400 million to reduce the use of pesticides, even though their use ended up increasing. France's public auditor is criticising the situation and calling on integrating agro-ecological transition objectives into the CAP. EURACTIV France reports.
German fertiliser regulation amendment ignites spat between government ministers
After the European Commission rejected previous drafts amending Germany's fertiliser regulation, the agriculture ministry announced it would send a final draft to Brussels this week, but the environment minister was full of criticism at her cabinet colleague. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Paris aims to become Europe’s top financial hub in post-Brexit world
London is currently Europe's leading financial centre but the French authorities dream of seeing Paris in the lead. However, it remains to be seen if the City will lose access to European markets after the UK-EU negotiations this year. EURACTIV's partner EUROEFE reports.
Austria and Germany: A harmonious couple, at odds on EU issues
Austria's Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz visited German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday (3 February). While the atmosphere was harmonious, the two did not meet eye-to-eye on several EU issues, including the budget and proposals to revive Operation Sophia. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German Greens want to sue transport minister over motorway upgrade debacle
With the transport ministry increasing the costs to upgrade Germany's motorways, the Greens are demanding to have access to important documents related to their construction. However, the country's conservative transport minister, Andreas Scheuer (CSU), is stonewalling. EURACTIV's partner WirtschaftsWoche reports.
MEPs want tech firms to adopt universal charger, Commission ‘ready’ to take matter in hand
In a resolution adopted on 30 January, MEPs called on the Commission to force tech companies to adopt a universal charger. EURACTIV's partner Le Journal de l'Environnement reports.
Common Agricultural Policy: How to encourage young people to get into agricultural profession?
EURACTIV France organised a round table to discuss the EU's Common Agricultural Policy after 2020 and the support for the renewal of generations of farmers.
Germany floats draft hydrogen strategy ahead of EU Presidency
Germany's draft hydrogen strategy envisages the use of CO2-free gas for the industry and transport sector, as well as millions for research. Under the draft plan, a large part of the country's hydrogen will be purchased from abroad. EURACTIV Germany reports.