tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 04.10.2024

Summary

The EU has approved tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles despite opposition from Germany, aiming to counter China's heavy subsidies. German automakers fear a trade war with China. Meanwhile, escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues, with Iran justifying its missile strikes. Afghan women are recognized as persecuted under Taliban rule, simplifying asylum processes in the EU. Additionally, increased border controls in Germany aim to reduce illegal migration, while FIFA’s transfer regulations face scrutiny for violating EU law. In Berlin, the Festival of Lights celebrates freedom, illuminating iconic buildings.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The EU Commission can impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric cars despite resistance from Germany, due to claims of heavy subsidies by China.
• 💶 Chinese electric cars are 20% cheaper than European models due to subsidies, prompting EU discussions on tariffs of up to 35%.
• 🇩🇪 Germany and its car manufacturers oppose tariffs due to fears of a trade war with China, which could retaliate by imposing tariffs on European cars.
• 🔧 European automakers are urged to improve the competitiveness of their electric vehicles to compete with Chinese models.
• ⚔️ Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei justified missile strikes on Israel, as the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel intensifies.
• 🚨 Tensions rise as Israel conducts airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon, with concerns of escalation into a broader conflict.
• 👩‍🎓 The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Afghan women, under Taliban rule, face systemic persecution, granting them the right to asylum in the EU.
• 🔍 German border controls are tightened to curb illegal immigration, with 2448 unauthorized entries detected in two weeks.
• ⚽ The ECJ ruled that FIFA’s transfer rules, imposing penalties on clubs hiring players who breach contracts, violate EU free movement laws.
• 🎨 The Festival of Lights begins in Berlin, illuminating 50 landmarks with light shows celebrating freedom.

Q & A

What is the main reason behind the EU considering additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles?

The EU is considering additional tariffs because China heavily subsidizes its electric vehicle industry, making Chinese cars about 20% cheaper in Europe compared to European models. The EU wants to level the playing field by imposing tariffs to offset these subsidies.

Why did Germany oppose the additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles?

Germany opposed the additional tariffs because it fears that such a move could lead to a trade war with China. Germany’s auto industry, which exports significantly more cars to China than it imports, would be heavily affected if China retaliates with tariffs on European vehicles.

What percentage of the EU's electric vehicle market is currently occupied by Chinese manufacturers?

Chinese manufacturers hold 14.1% of the EU’s electric vehicle market, a significant increase from 1.9% just four years ago.

What are the potential consequences of a trade war between the EU and China for the German auto industry?

A trade war could have serious consequences for the German auto industry. China is a critical market for German automakers, with companies like Volkswagen deriving over a third of their sales from China. Tariffs from China could hurt these companies’ revenues.

What are the EU experts' opinions on the impact of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles?

Many experts in Brussels believe that the tariffs would only give European automakers more time but would not solve the underlying issue. To stay competitive, European manufacturers need to make their electric vehicles more attractive and affordable, especially in the lower price segment.

What justification did Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, give for the country's missile strikes on Israel?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei justified the missile strikes on Israel by calling them a 'minimum punishment' for the situation. He emphasized Iran’s stance during a rare Friday prayer that he led for the first time in five years.

How has the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated recently?

The conflict has escalated with continuous missile strikes from Hezbollah and Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes, particularly in Beirut. Hezbollah launched 180 missiles at Israel, while Israel struck several targets in Lebanon, including an alleged underground weapons tunnel near the Syrian border.

What impact has Taliban rule had on women in Afghanistan?

Under Taliban rule, Afghan women face severe restrictions, including bans on education, professional careers, and basic rights like access to healthcare. These measures have been labeled as persecution by the European Court of Justice, which ruled that Afghan women can seek asylum in the EU based on their gender alone.

What changes have been introduced at Germany’s borders to address illegal immigration?

Germany has ramped up border controls since mid-September 2024, focusing on all external borders. In the first two weeks of the operation, authorities recorded 2,448 illegal entries and rejected 1,546 individuals at the border.

What did the European Court of Justice rule regarding FIFA’s transfer regulations?

The European Court of Justice ruled that FIFA's regulations, which penalize players and clubs when a player breaks a contract without cause, violate EU law by restricting the free movement of professional football players within the EU.