Business

Olympic medals made from old phones

Used electronic devices have been recycled in a nationwide effort to produce the Olympic medals for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The project plans to set a precedent for future Olympic Games.  

Mixed responses to Nord Stream 2 deal

A deal that saw the US agree to the completion of the controversial pipeline has provoked a wide range of responses across both Europe and the US.  

Perspectives

Nord Stream 2 — Merkel’s damaging legacy

Berlin's pipeline policy with Russia is an indictment of German foreign policy and has divided the West. Germany must now regain trust — and stand by Ukraine, says Frank Hofmann.  

How does one insure against climate change?

Wildfires in Australia, blizzards in Texas, now flash floods in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands: The growing likelihood of extreme weather has insurers and homeowners alike wondering how to best manage risk.  

The EU declares war on money laundering

Huge sums of money of illegal origin are channeled into the regular economy every year. The EU has now prepared a comprehensive reform in order to crack down on money laundering. Bernd Riegert reports from Brussels.  

Poland's Russian gas plan faces new hurdle

Copenhagen's decision to withdraw a permit for the Danish section of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline from Poland to Norway could mean Warsaw remains a buyer of Russian gas. That was not part of the plan.  

German startup star faces workers' fury

The Berlin-based grocery delivery startup, which launched its service during the pandemic, is expanding rapidly, but workers say the billion-dollar company should fix local problems first.  

Germany's army of THW volunteers

In the current flood disaster, THW teams are at the forefront of search and rescue operations, helping clear debris and bringing water and electricity systems back online. Who are they and what is the THW all about?  

UK 'Freedom Day' brings hope and risks

On July 19, most of the UK will remove pandemic restrictions. The economy is expected to temporarily benefit, as all businesses can operate normally again. But there are risks amid concerns over the delta variant.  

Firms clueless on future of remote working

After they were forced to send their staff home during the pandemic, firms have come to realize how well their employees managed to work remotely, even while juggling jobs and family duties. What comes next, they wonder?  

German wine in harmony with nature

Back to nature! In the fight against climate change and its devastating effects, ever more vintners are relying on sustainability in the vineyard — and in the cellar.  

Shipping costs inflict pain on German shoppers

Germans are finding it hard to lay their hands on a new bike or renovate their homes amid supply disruptions. The scarcity is playing havoc with personal budgets, and the ordeal for consumers may just be getting started.  

Czech gold for future generations

In the earth beneath the Czech Republic lies gold worth €20 billion. But unlike the country's lithium reserves, this gold is not planned to be mined — due to environmental concerns and economic factors.  

ECB moves ahead with digital euro project

The European Central Bank has said it is taking the next step toward launching a digital version of the euro. The move comes amid a boom in crypto and other digital currencies.  

Germany fed up with US travel restrictions

Germany has invested trillions in the US over the years. And Germany's economic footprint is everywhere in the country. But US pandemic restrictions continue to hinder business travel to the country from the EU.  

Lufthansa to get rid of 'ladies and gentlemen'

The German carrier is doing away with its traditional onboard salutation. The airline group has come up with a list of alternative greetings to ensure that passengers remain in good humor.  

Video calls drive boom in cosmetic surgery

More and more people are dissatisfied with their appearance on video calls and want cosmetic surgery. But surgeons say the reasons for seeking treatment during the pandemic go deeper than that.  

Will China tame its new business dragons?

First Alibaba and Tencent, now Didi Chuxing — Chinese authorities are tightening the regulatory leash on tech giants and their founders, while investors are wondering why the crackdown is coming now and who is next.