When in Rome, do as the Chinese do

Since Russia started its war in Ukraine, the EU has made extensive use of its sanction's toolbox. Despite this, sanctioned goods from Europe still seem to find their way to Russia.

Berlin wants last-ditch changes to the landmark EU law spelling the demise of the combustion engine from 2035. It’s not a good look on the international stage, observers in Brussels warn.

China's show of solidarity with Russia displeased officials in Brussels, where concerns are growing that Beijing is considering supplying arms to Moscow. But for now there is no real desire to decouple from China.

France, Germany face off on EU's 2035 internal combustion car ban. In this edition: Germany seeks an "e-fuels" exemption to the EU's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2035, while France pushes for an all-electric transport future.

Talking Europe speaks to the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit. With anger growing in France about the government's push to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, and the EU facing an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, his portfolio is very much in the spotlight – including recommendations to encourage a Minimum Income for all.

The EU's ambition is to turn hydrogen from a polluting niche market to a clean mass market. Renewable hydrogen is seen as crucial for Europe to meet its international climate commitments, and to limit its dependence on natural gas providers, be that Russia or other countries.

Germany's foreign minister says the door to EU candidate status is "wide open" for Georgia. But she stressed the Caucasus country would first need to implement reforms to address concerns over democracy.

While European bank shares have slumped, EU leaders are not worried. But they warn to "never be complacent."

Berlin and Brussels have reached a deal in a dispute over a ban on new cars with internal combustion engines. The agreement relates to the future use of e-fuels in cars.

A phase-out on the sale of polluting vehicles has been given the final approval to become law in the EU. Opposition from Germany had delayed the legislation for weeks.

Tallinn has hit back at reports that it upset its EU allies with reimbursements it has sought for weapons sent to Ukraine, in a trying moment for the bloc.

EU members split over nuclear energy inclusion in renewable portfolio. As the European Union is poisedto agree tougher targets to expand renewable energy by 2030, members remain split over whether to recognise nuclear power as a renewable energy source and allow it to contribute towards the EU's goals.