What's a "carbon border adjustment mechanism," and what does it mean for U.S. exports?

Dec 14, 2022
The EU already imposes an environmental charge on EU-made goods. Its new plan would assess the same charge on imports.
The European Union implemented the world’s first tax on the carbon content of imported goods Tuesday. Above, a container ship at the port of Hamburg, Germany.
Gregor Fischer/Getty Images

Russia tries to pull the plug on Ukraine’s electricity

Dec 2, 2022
Putin's attacks on Ukraine’s power supply are designed to break the country’s will and sever its ties with the European Union.
Electricity workers try to fix a high-voltage power line Dec. 1 in Kherson, Ukraine.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Is Brexit to blame for Britain's mess?

Nov 9, 2022
Some critics of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union say the country’s recent turmoil should drive it back into the bloc.
Anti-Brexit demonstrators march in London on Oct. 22.
Hollie Adams/Getty Images

EU ramps up financial pressure on Hungary's right-wing government

Nov 8, 2022
The EU is withholding billions of euros in grants over concerns surrounding corruption and discrimination.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces mounting pressure over policies the EU says violate international standards.
Getty Images / ATTILA KISBENEDEK

Should Russians be allowed to vacation in Europe while the Kremlin wages war on Ukraine?

Sep 6, 2022
The EU is to make it tougher for Russians to holiday in Europe as a sanction against the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. But why not a total ban?
Finland is among the five European Union member countries pushing for a blanket ban on travel visas for Russian citizens. Above, travelers at Finland's Helsinki Airport in August.
Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images

Germany under fire from neighbors for its dependence on Russian energy

Aug 3, 2022
Fear that Russia may terminate all natural gas flows to Europe's largest economy is causing friction among EU countries.
Some countries in Eastern Europe objected to Germany building ties with Russia around natural gas imports via the Nord Stream pipeline. Now, Germany is scrambling to prepare for additional supply cuts.
Odd Anderson/AFP via Getty Images

How natural gas cutbacks in the EU could impact U.S. farming

Jul 28, 2022
Natural gas is used to manufacture ammonia, which is a key ingredient in fertilizers.
A view shows a facility of German chemical giant BASF at the Alsachimie industrial site in Chalampe, eastern France, Jan. 17, 2022.
BENOIT TESSIER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

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Natural gas strategy tests Europe's unity against Russia

Jul 22, 2022
European leaders worry about the risk of a supply shortage in the winter, though member nations have different levels of energy security.
An industrial plant in Germany that uses Russian natural gas. Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is also the most dependent on the Russian resource.
Edouard Merlo/AFP via Getty Images

The EU wants Europeans to cut natural gas use 15% in case Russia limits supply

Jul 20, 2022
Several EU nations, including Germany, depend on Russian gas. The Nord Stream pipeline reopens Thursday, but supply is uncertain.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline brings Russian natural gas to Western Europe. The European Union is asking member nations to conserve gas to prevent a potential energy crisis.
Edouard Merlo/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. pushes for Russian oil price ceiling. Feasible?

Jun 28, 2022
Advanced nations will evaluate the idea in an effort to limit Russia's energy revenue. But Russia could retaliate.
An oil refinery on the outskirts of Moscow. Although the advanced nations are considering a price cap on Russian oil, Russia could retaliate by shutting off the flow of natural gas to Europe.
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images