The Federal Assembly yesterday confirmed Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Federal President with a broad majority for another five years. After his re-election, he used the first speech for clear words to Vladimir Putin, whom he blamed for the escalation in the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, he appealed to the Russian president: “Help us find […]
As everyone knows, during the pandemic, a safe distance should be maintained from others. Vladimir Putin took this very seriously when he received Emmanuel Macron in the Kremlin last Monday: A table with a length of about four meters separated the two presidents. As Reuters now reported, citing French government officials, Putin had given his […]
There have been repeated delays, but the directive on sustainable corporate governance is finally due to be adopted on February 23rd. This was preceded by two negative assessments by an internal Commission body, the Regulatory Scrutiny Board. Some of the content of the proposed legislation is already known – for example, it appears that the […]
Yesterday, the ECJ dismissed the actions brought forward by the governments in Poland and Hungary against the EU’s rule of law mechanism. This allows the EU Commission to withhold funds for member states if democratic rights and freedoms are violated. But there is no question of Brussels taking swift action: it could take “weeks” before […]
The economy needs chips, then more chips, and soon even more chips. Last week, Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton presented his plans for turning Europe from a cut-off buyer into a leading-edge producer. Till Hoppe has found out for you why large parts of the German industry are nevertheless not enthusiastic and why the role of […]
Following his visit to Kiev yesterday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is traveling to Moscow today. Several hours are scheduled for the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Scholz’s trip is actually an inaugural visit, but the looming threat of war in Ukraine will likely overshadow all other issues. In Kiev, the chancellor said that he […]
Putin’s decision yesterday is likely to further fuel the Russia-Ukraine conflict: The Russian president has recognized the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine as independent states. This makes it possible to station Russian soldiers there. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced EU sanctions against Russia in response to the recognition […]
Over the weekend, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict was the dominant topic at this year’s Munich Security Conference, held without Russia for the first time in decades. Europe’s leaders appeared emphatically united at the diplomatic meeting and assured Ukraine of further support. EU Council President Charles Michel announced a donor conference for the country on Sunday […]
Even if the Kremlin wants to give the opposite impression: concerns about a Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to grow. “These episodes that heralded an apparent de-escalation are not being taken seriously at the moment,” said Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi after the special meeting of EU leaders on the sidelines of the EU-Africa summit. […]
Following the Russian attack on Ukraine, the USA, the G7, and the EU have agreed on far-reaching sanctions against Russia. We take a closer look at the individual sanction areas. Till Hoppe analyzes the planned punitive measures against the Russian financial sector. The US, UK, and EU are significantly increasing the pressure on Russia’s banks. […]