Rhein on Energy and Climate

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With the presentation on June 18th of a comprehensive energy transition programme the French energy minister has started to fulfil promises made during the 2012 Presidential election campaign. The programme is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion on European energy and climate policy beyond 2020 and the preparation for the decisive international climate conference… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

After obtaining green light from the Commission and the ECB small Lithuania is almost certain to get confirmation by the EMU finance ministers and join the EMU next January. This has been expected to happen for a long time. Lithuania has carefully prepared for it, especially by early tying its currency to the Euro and… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

After one year of intensive consultations with stakeholders the US Environmental Protection Agency has presented a 645 page (!) proposal containing the rules for C02 emissions that existing power plants will have to respect in the future. When adopted they will lead to a 30% fall of emissions from electricity generation until 2030, compared to… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

Article 3 of the TEU stipulates that the EU will establish an economic and monetary union with the Euro as its currency. Poland and all other member countries, except UK and Denmark which enjoy a legal derogation, must join the eurozone, when they fulfil the requirements – 2.5 per cent inflation rate, three per cent… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

Taxation should not only procure government revenue but also influence business and consumer behaviour. This goes for tobacco, gasoline and alcohol excise taxes as well as for VAT and income taxation. Profit taxation is becoming increasingly difficult in a global environment. Globally operating companies deriving their profits from subsidiaries across the the world try to… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

The Lisbon Treaty has enhanced the international Role of the EU. The appointment of a High Representative, de facto a EU foreign minister, and the creation of a diplomatic service, composed of officials from EU institutions and member states, are the most innovative changes. Thanks to this new constitutional framework the 50-year old Commission Delegations… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

While the international community is due to finally take serious action against climate change it is worthwhile having a look at Denmark, Sweden and, to a lesser degree, Finland and Norway that have succeeded to generate two thirds of their electricity from renewable sources, mostly from wind and water. But despite intensive efforts and favourable… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

When talking about climate change we usually think of electricity, passenger cars, airplanes, but hardly ever of heavy-duty trucks. That is a mistake, for heavy-duty trucks account for a substantial share of C02 emissions from the transport sector, which is second among the key emitters after electricity. So far only Japan has introduced heavy-duty truck… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein