{"id":94424,"date":"2019-06-19T14:31:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T12:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2025.power-shift.de\/presse\/powershift-in-den-medien\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T12:00:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:00:49","slug":"powershift-in-den-medien","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/presse\/powershift-in-den-medien\/","title":{"rendered":"PowerShift in the media"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t

PowerShift in the media<\/h1>\n

The PowerShift media review starts in 2014. The most recent contributions can be found above. We do not claim to be exhaustive, but would like to present a selection of articles that we have either initiated or in which we have our own say (interviews, quotes, own articles, etc.).<\/p>\n

12.05.2026, Table.Briefings
\nCritical Raw Materials: Zweifel an Projektauswahl der EU<\/strong>
\nUm Europa mit Rohstoffen zu versorgen, f\u00f6rdert die EU-Kommission strategische Projekte. Interne Dokumente zeigen nun: Bei der Auswahl setzte sie sich \u00fcber Fachleute hinweg. Auf der endg\u00fcltigen Liste stehen sozial und \u00f6kologisch umstrittene Vorhaben. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.05.2026, Deutschlandfunk
\nVerh\u00e4ngnis Energiecharta: Vertrag vs. fossiler Ausstieg, Int. Fabian Flues <\/strong>
\nEinmal als Parlament oder Bundesregierung den Ausstieg aus Kohle, \u00d6l und Gas einfach so beschlie\u00dfen? Das kann teuer werden. Ein Grund daf\u00fcr sind die sogenannten Investorenklagen. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.05.2026, Alternatives Economiques
\nTribunaux d\u2019arbitrage : l\u2019Europe au service des multinationales <\/strong>
\nGr\u00e2ce aux tribunaux d\u2019arbitrage, les investisseurs s\u2019estimant l\u00e9s\u00e9s peuvent poursuivre des Etats partout dans le monde. Une \u00e9tude de l\u2019institut Veblen montre que les pays europ\u00e9ens sont sp\u00e9cialement vis\u00e9s par ce m\u00e9canisme. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

22.04.2026, taz
\nStudie zu Investitionsschutzpolitik: Deutschland schw\u00e4cht sich selbst \u2013 und andere L\u00e4nder<\/strong>
\nPrivate Schiedsgerichte sollen Konzerne vor politischen Entscheidungen sch\u00fctzen. Ein Vergleich zeigt, welche Staaten sich besonders darauf einlassen. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00dcber unsere Publikation \u201eEuropean ISDS Scorecard: a ranking of the harmful effects of 30 countries\u2019 investment treaties\u201c<\/a> wurde auch in folgenden Medien berichtet: novethic<\/a> (Frankreich), SustainableViews<\/a> (England) und Tagesspiegel background<\/a> (Deutschland)<\/p>\n

21.04.2026, taz
\nBrasiliens Pr\u00e4sident in Hannover: Lula und Merz wollen sich n\u00e4her kommen<\/strong>
\nLula und Merz erkl\u00e4ren die Handelsbeziehungen vertiefen zu wollen, etwa im Bereich Rohstoffe. \u00dcber die Messe in Hannover laufen sie aber getrennt. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

20.03.2026, Tagesspiegel Background
\nEurope's mining and energy transition: high standards or mere promises?<\/strong>
\nThat the transformation of the energy system needs metallic raw materials is beyond question for Maja Wilke and Michael Reckordt of PowerShift. But they warn that if the environment and the concerns of the people affected fall by the wayside, mining in Europe has no future. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

18.03.2026, ESG.Table
\nMining: By international comparison, EU standards are average at best<\/strong>
\nEnvironmental and social standards for raw material extraction in the EU could be improved. This is the conclusion from a new study conducted by two NGOs. Improvement is needed in two areas in particular. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

01.03.2026, CONTRASTE
\nNon-transparent approach to the trade agreement<\/strong>
\nAt the beginning of January, the free trade agreement between the European Union and four Mercosur countries was signed. The European Parliament caused a stir as it referred the agreement to the European Court of Justice for the time being. A broad alliance of more than 50 German civil society organizations rejects the agreement and warns urgently of the ecological, social and health consequences.<\/p>\n

14.02.2026, Research against Global Authoritarianism
\nQuestions about the EU-Mercosur agreement in dilemma. Interview with Thomas Fritz<\/strong>
\nAfter long negotiations, the trade agreement between the EU and the South American economic community Mercosur is now about to be introduced. It aims to create a free trade area with more than 700 million people, in which tariffs and trade barriers are to be reduced and trade in goods and services is to be expanded. On 17 January, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Heads of Government of Mercosur member states Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay signed the agreement in Asunci\u00f3n, the capital of Paraguay. On 20 January, however, the European Parliament decided to transfer this agreement to the European Court of Justice. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

13.02.2026, Table.Media
\nMining: Why a new ESG standard is controversial<\/strong>
\nA voluntary ESG standard promoted by the mining industry is intended to simplify the small-scale certification field. NGOs, however, criticize him as too vague. In addition, those affected would not be sufficiently involved in projects. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.02.2026, EU-RENEW Blog
\nSmall is smart: Why a climate-aligned EU hydrogen strategy is overdue<\/strong>
\nRenewable hydrogen has become a central pillar of the European Union\u2019s climate and industrial transformation policy. In 2022, the European Commission set out the aim of producing 10 million tonnes and importing 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030. By 2050, the EU wants renewable hydrogen \u201cto cover around 10% of the EU\u2019s energy needs, significantly decarbonising energy intensive industrial processes and the transport sector\u201d. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09.02.2026, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nPowershift warns: EU-Indonesia agreement endangers human rights<\/strong>
\nThe planned free trade agreement with Indonesia has butter-soft environmental standards. Powershift calls for binding rules before ratification. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

22.01.2026, the Friday
\nTrump's mistake: He wants raw materials whose promotion Greenland's progressive law prohibits <\/strong>
\nThe US president's approach is old-school commodity colonialism. Because of climate change and the environment, Greenland's progressive policy has decided to ban the extraction of oil, gas and rare earths. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

19.01.2026, bureaucracy monster Blog
\nHow trade agreements slow down environmental policy - the creeping deregulation of Europe's trade policy<\/strong>
\nWhile the EU promotes green targets, it forges trade deals that unceremoniously declare environmental rules a disruptive factor. Between committees, corporate lawsuits and diplomatic pressure: Europe's trade policy has a deregulation turbo. It runs surprisingly quietly and is revealed here. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

12.01.2026, Frankfurter Rundschau
\n\"It is a poison agreement\" \u2013 Massive criticism of the Mercosur agreement<\/strong>
\nAfter almost 26 years, the time has come: The Council of the European Union approved the Mercosur agreement on Friday. Criticism of the free trade agreement with the Latin American Mercosur states continues: In addition to Europe's agriculture, voices from civil society and academia also criticise the agreement. They fear massive environmental damage, human rights violations and a deepening of unequal world trade. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

29.12.2025, watson
\nZug straw company sues Lithuania \u2013 so trick oligarchs in circumventing sanctions<\/strong>
\nA businessman uses a Zug company to bring Lithuania to an international arbitration court. CH-Media research shows: The case is closely linked to a sanctioned group and is emblematic of recent efforts by oligarchs to undermine sanctions. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

18.12.2025, THE TIME
\nRussian assets: The hybrid war has other fronts.<\/strong>
\nIn the dispute over Russian billions in Europe's banks, Russia successfully intimidates the EU with lawsuits. This is the fault of the European governments themselves. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

17.12.2025, Alternatives Economiques
\nAvoirs russes gel\u00e9s : l\u2019Europe bloqu\u00e9e par ses vieux trait\u00e9s de protection des investissements <\/strong>
\nLa Belgique, qui h\u00e9berge l\u2019essentiel des avoirs gel\u00e9s, redoute que les investisseurs russes recourent \u00e0 des m\u00e9canismes d\u2019arbitrage pr\u00e9vus dans des trait\u00e9s d\u2019investissements pour lui r\u00e9clamer des remboursements. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

16.12.2025, Follow the Money
\nRussian oligarchs exploit European treaties to sue Ukraine for hundreds of millions<\/strong>
\nAs Ukraine fights a full-scale invasion, sanctioned Russian billionaires are demanding hundreds of millions in compensation \u2013 exploiting investment treaties to sue the war-torn state from courtrooms across Europe.<\/span><\/span> Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

12.12.2025, naked capitalism
\nRussian Central Bank Sues Euroclear Over Frozen Assets; Will the EU Be Hoist on the Investor-State Settlement Disputes (ISDS) Petard?<\/strong>
\nThe Bank of Russia filed suit in Moscow Arbitration Court against Euroclear, with no amount of damages specified. The Kremlin vowed additional action if the assets were misappropriated. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.12.2025, ORF
\nEurope under pressure<\/strong>
\nIn Europe, about 210 billion euros of Russian assets are on ice, the majority of which are held by the financial services provider Euroclear in Belgium. The EU wants to support Ukraine, but Belgium is slowing down due to legal risks and possible retaliation by Moscow. At the same time, the pressure is growing, as Kiev can hardly remain able to act without additional financial resources. At next week's EU summit, it will have to be decided whether the funds need to be released or whether other means of financing need to be chosen. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.12.2025, Le Journal du Dimanche
\nGuerre en Ukraine : l\u2019UE risque de devoir payer des dizaines de billions d\u2019euros \u00e0 des entreprises russes<\/strong>
\nDans un rapport publi\u00e9 ce mardi, l\u2019institut Veblen fait \u00e9tat de 24 demandes d\u2019arbitrage \u00e9mises par des oligarques russes \u00e0 l\u2019encontre de plusieurs pays membres de l\u2019UE pour r\u00e9cup\u00e9rer leurs actifs gel\u00e9s depuis le d\u00e9but de la guerre en Ukraine. Certains d\u2019entre eux sont proches du Kremlin. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.12.2025, Le Figaro
\nLa France et l\u2019UE menac\u00e9es de devoir payer des dizaines de billions d\u2019euros \u00e0 des oligarques et entreprises proches du Kremlin<\/strong>
\nUne note de 27 pages d\u2019un institut fran\u00e7ais met en garde contre l\u2019exploitation par des proches du Kremlin de vieux trait\u00e9s \u00e9conomiques liant l\u2019Europe \u00e0 la Russie. Les proc\u00e9dures en cours ont une chance d\u2019aboutir. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09.12.2025, Mediapart
\nSanctions contre la Russie : pour les soutiens de Kyiv, une \u00e9p\u00e9e de Damocl\u00e8s \u00e0 53 billions d\u2019euros<\/strong>
\nLes oligarques et soci\u00e9t\u00e9s li\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019effort de guerre russe r\u00e9clament \u00e0 plusieurs \u00c9tats occidentaux des sommes colossales en d\u00e9dommagement des sanctions qu\u2019ils subissent, d\u00e9taille un rapport publi\u00e9 mardi 9 d\u00e9cembre. Pour ce faire, ils ont d\u00e9sormais recours \u00e0 l\u2019arbitrage d\u2019investissement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09.12.2025, Le Soir
\nSanctions: the oligarque russes r\u00e9clament au moins 53 billions devant des tribunaux d\u2019arbitrage<\/strong>
\nUn rapport de la coalition d\u2019ONG europ\u00e9enne ETJC, avec notamment le CNCD-11.11.11, d\u00e9voile que des investisseurs russes multiplient les recours pour contrer les sanctions \u00e9conomiques europ\u00e9ennes. L\u2019outil utilis\u00e9, les ISDS, \u00ab menace la souverainet\u00e9 des Etats europ\u00e9ens \u00bb, alertent les ONG. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09.12.2025, THE TIME
\nHow Russian oligarchs are attacking European state budgets<\/strong>
\nPutin's war is increasingly being fought in arbitral tribunals. Russian companies are demanding billions from the EU and Ukraine \u2013 and could be successful. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Also the Financial Times<\/em> had on the subject reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

09.12.2025, Le Monde
\nLes Europ\u00e9ens sous la menace de lourdes p\u00e9nalit\u00e9s financi\u00e8res en raison de vieux trait\u00e9s commerciaux sign\u00e9s par la Russie<\/strong>
\nUn rapport alerte sur le risque que font peser sur l\u2019Union europ\u00e9enne les proc\u00e9dures d\u2019arbitrage lanc\u00e9es par les oligarques et entreprises russes vis\u00e9s par des sanctions. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

03.12.2025, The World in the Evening
\nThe EU's rare earths supply strategy<\/strong>
\nIn the broadcast of Bayern 2, our raw material consultant Michael Reckordt spoke about the EU's strategy to ensure a supply of rare earths and which critical aspects have to be taken into account.<\/p>\n

01.12.2025, Newsletter 3\/2025, Forum Environment and Development
\nAn agreement in the shadow of the hunger for raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Indonesia aims to reduce tariffs and secure access to raw materials, but jeopardises Indo-European development strategy, weakens protection mechanisms for the environment and workers and strengthens neocolonial structures. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

12.11.2025, taz
\nCriticism of investment agreements with Singapore and Vietnam<\/strong>
\nOn Thursday evening, the Bundestag will vote on two EU investment protection agreements with Singapore and Vietnam. The non-governmental organizations Powershift, Netzwerk Juster Welthandel and Umweltinstitut M\u00fcnchen criticize that these agreements create new legal opportunities for investors and protect fossil investments. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

24.10.2025, SWR Kultur Forum
\nFight for chips and rare earths \u2013 Does China decide our future?<\/strong>
\nChina is playing its power brutally in the trade dispute, it's about Nexperia microchips and rare earths. What consequences does this have for German industry? Are there ways out of dependence? Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.10.2025, Table.Media
\nBMZ Action Plan: Ministry threatens to move away from its development mandate<\/strong>
\nCivil society is left out of the BMZ's new action plan. Their representatives see this as problematic with regard to the objectives of development policy and especially with regard to the raw materials sector. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

03.10.2025, energy future
\nSaxony-Anhalt: Question mark behind immense lithium deposits\u00a0<\/strong>
\nIn the Altmark in Saxony-Anhalt, one of the largest lithium deposits in the world is to be located, which is to be promoted in a sustainable way. But questions remain open. Greater involvement of citizens is called for. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

01.10.2025, Infobrief EU & International
\nEuropean raw material supply: On the Efforts and Failures of EU Raw Materials Policy<\/strong>
\nIn 2012, political scientist Michael T. Klare wrote the book \u2018The Race for What\u2019s Left: The Global Scramble for the World\u2019s Last Resources\u2019. He describes the increasing competition for the remaining raw materials. Easily accessible deposits of raw materials are largely exhausted, more conflicting extraction methods will increase. This exacerbates ecological destruction, geopolitical conflicts and social inequalities. As the current debates show, his fears are on the rise. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

01.10.2025, Tagesspiegel Background
\nInvestment protection agreements: Fossil energy lawsuit risk still far from being eliminated<\/strong>
\nKlesch vs. Germany, Nord Stream 2 vs. Germany, AET vs. Germany \u2013 claims for damages by energy investors are still pending before international arbitration courts. And in many of Germany's investment protection treaties, the risk of further lawsuits is dormant. NGOs are admonishing: Get out or renegotiate. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

21.09.2025, Publico
\nLa demanda millonaria a Espa\u00f1a por frenar una mina de uranio muestra el papel de los tribunales privados en socavar la soberan\u00eda de los Estados<\/strong>
\nLos vecinos de Retortillo, en Salamanca, lograron paralizar el proyecto de una mina de uranio a cielo abierto en 2021. Despu\u00e9s de una importante movilizaci\u00f3n ciudadana y los informes desfavorables del Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN), el Ministerio para la Transici\u00f3n Ecol\u00f3gica (Miteco) deneg\u00f3 la autorizaci\u00f3n de las obras. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

19.09.2025, energy future
\nInvestment protection procedures: Lawsuits against the energy and climate transition<\/strong>
\nWith the help of investment protection agreements, corporations are suing against political decisions by states. They claim damages for the consequences of environmental and climate protection laws \u2013 often with success. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

17.09.2025, taz
\nGermany before the arbitral tribunal: Energy company complains about tax<\/strong>
\nThe Klesch Group is suing Germany, Denmark and the EU \u2013 with a first success. A new report shows the power of private arbitral tribunals. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

16.09.2025, young world
\nEU-Mercosur trade agreements: Neocolonial trade deal<\/strong>
\nEU Commission launches Mercosur agreement, but protests are stirring. In Latin America, there is a threat of deindustrialization. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

16.09.2025, News pool Latin America
\nonda-info 625
\n<\/strong>In September, the government representatives of the 27 EU member states will vote on the EU-Mercsosur agreement. A broad campaign is launched this week to stop the controversial agreement. Onda visited Powershift this morning to learn more about the campaign launch. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

27.08.2025, Tagesspiegel Background
\nThinking of raw materials not from the mine, but from the point of view of society
\n<\/strong>\u00a0The long-standing German pursuit of commodity partnerships with mining countries and close coordination between politics and industry is based on a mistake in thinking, writes Michael Reckordt. PowerShift's raw material expert argues: Dependence on China and other exporters will only lead to recycling and an end to waste in the long term. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

08.08.2025, world views
\nHow Crab Farms Displace Farmers
\n<\/strong>In the south of Ecuador is one of the few areas where peasant families have benefited from land reform. Many are losing their land again. Corruption and drug gangs play a role. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

07.08.2025, energy future
\nCO2 storage law: Cabinet adopts amendment to CCS law
\n<\/strong>The Federal Cabinet has adopted the amendment to the CO2 Storage Act. The construction of facilities, infrastructure and storage locations is expensive, lengthy and problematic. Climate and environmental organizations warn of a bogus solution from the fossil industry. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

23.07.2025, Table.Briefings
\nMercosur Agreement: Right of appeal against green deal laws
\n<\/strong>The EU-Mercosur trade agreement creates a new right of action against sustainability laws of the European Green Deal. The civil society organizations Bread for the World, Misereor and Powershift warn against this. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

22.07.2025, taz
\nEU-Mercosur Agreement: Climate Protection Leveraged
\n<\/strong>A right of action in the free trade agreement undermines the Green Deal, NGOs warn in a recent study. The European Commission is preparing for ratification. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

21.07.2025, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nTrading package with many risks
\n<\/strong>It is one of the world's largest free trade zones with more than 700 million people. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: Now the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur states is approaching. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Our analysis has also been reported in other media, including: Energy future<\/a>, Development policy online<\/a>, in Tagesspiegel background<\/a> and at weltkirche.de<\/p>\n

01.07.2025, nd.Currently
\nFree trade at all costs? Resistance to the EU-Mercosur agreement is growing
\n<\/strong>The European Commission is pressing ahead: It intends to forward the Agreement to the governments of the Member States for consideration as soon as possible. It could be submitted to the EU Council for ratification as early as September, with the final vote in the European Parliament in early 2026 before EU Member States are asked to vote on it in their parliaments. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.06.2025, News pool Latin America
\nCampaign against EU-Mercosur trade agreements
\n<\/strong>A performance against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement will take place in front of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin. Background: On the same day, there will be a public hearing of the EU Parliament's Trade Committee on the agreement. The European Commission presses the accelerator pedal: Before the end of the month, it wants to transmit the final agreement to the governments of the member countries. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

12.06.2025, EconomiaCircolare.com
\nMatter prime critiche, se l\u2019UE abbraccia \u2018modelli coloniali\u2019 con la scusa della sostenibilit\u00e0
\n<\/strong>La pubblicazione di progetti europei di estrazione di materie prime critiche fuori dai confini dell\u2019Unione mette in allarme la societ\u00e0 civile: \u2018L\u2019Unione Europea deve tener fede ai propri impegni in materia di diritti umani, diritto internazionale e impegno democratico\u2019 Read more<\/p>\n

12.06.2025, macronome
\nHow the EU could improve its position vis-\u00e0-vis Trump
\n<\/strong>Despite the travels of Friedrich Merz and many high-ranking EU officials to Washington, no solution to the trade conflict with the US is emerging. But there are different strategies that Europe can use to defend its economic strength, environmental standards and global partnerships \u2013 without subjugating itself to the US. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

07.06.2025, Asia House Foundation
\nCEPA: Free Trade in Geopolitical Mission
\n<\/strong>With the planned free trade agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines, the European Union pursues more than mere economic interests. In a world of increasing geopolitical tensions \u2013 between the US and China, in the midst of multiple crises \u2013 the EU is looking for new alliances, raw materials and markets through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). However, the promise of a \u2018fair and sustainable partnership\u2019 is undermined in reality by power asymmetries, ecological destruction and democratic deficits. Read more<\/p>\n

20.05.2025, Table.Briefings
\nEnergy Charter: NGOs criticize arbitration lawsuit on coal phase-out.
\n<\/strong>Environmental organisations accuse Azienda Elettrica Ticinese of endangering the phase-out of coal by bringing an action for damages. The Ticino-based energy company was responsible for the \u2018misinvestment\u2019 in the L\u00fcnen power plant itself. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

17.05.2025, Day indicator
\nTicino electricity supplier sues Germany for 100 million euros <\/strong>
\nIt is around \u20ac100 million, which means a lot of coal. The Ticino energy supplier Azienda Elettrica Ticinese (AET) has sued the Federal Republic of Germany for withdrawing from coal energy. At the end of March, the World Bank's International Arbitration Court published details of this unique court case, which has so far gone unnoticed by the public. According to the documents of the Washington-based court: The Ticino residents demand 85 million euros plus 4 percent interest from their neighbours in the north. In the worst case, climate activists fear, this case could lead to further lawsuits, delaying the phase-out of coal power \u2013 and thus the energy transition. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Other media outlets, including some international ones, have also reported on the lawsuit, including: NZZ<\/a> (Switzerland), gaze<\/a> (Switzerland), energate messenger<\/a> (Germany), ee-news.ch<\/a> (Switzerland), Corriere Del Ticino<\/a> (Italy) or Liechtenstein's fatherland<\/a> (Liechtenstein, Germany)<\/p>\n

09.05.2025, Los podcast de Underground Periodismo Internacional
\n El Tratado <\/strong>
\nDentro del Acuerdo Global entre M\u00e9xico y la Uni\u00f3n Europea existe un tratado de libre comercio que, visto desde una perspectiva empresarial, es sin duda exitoso. \u00bfPero desde el punto de visto humano es igual? En ambos lados del Atl\u00e1ntico hay personas y regiones a las que los efectos de este tratado los coloca en crisis existencial. Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

28.04.2025, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
\n CEPA: Free Trade in Geopolitical Mission <\/strong>
\nA critical analysis of EU trade policy in Southeast Asia. PowerShift trading expert Alessa Hartmann.
\nRead<\/a><\/p>\n

17.04.2025, Euractiv
\n Energy investment treaty under fire amid new claims against EU countries <\/strong>
\nAustrian construction company Strabag in US court seeking \u20ac350 million after Germany changed offshore laws
\nRead more (\u20ac)<\/a><\/p>\n

11.04.2025, DER SPIEGEL
\n Strabag wants to collect damages from Germany in the US <\/strong>
\nDue to failed wind power projects, the Austrian construction group Strabag wants to enforce high claims for damages against Germany in the USA. With the trial before a district court in the US capital Washington, D.C., two Strabag subsidiaries \"exercise their rights to enforce the claims for damages granted to them in the matter,\" said a spokeswoman. Germany has not yet responded to a request for payment. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

08.04.2025, Deutsche Welle
\n Palta y camarones para la UE: el impacto en pa\u00edses andinos <\/strong>
\nEl aumento en la exportaci\u00f3n de productos como el aguacate y el camar\u00f3n hablar\u00eda bien del acuerdo comercial que tiene la UE con los pa\u00edses andinos, pero expertos critican su impacto ambiental.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.04.2025, Berliner Zeitung
\n EU Raw Materials Strategy: Protest against lithium mining in the Ore Mountains <\/strong>
\nThe EU wants to become more independent from imports of raw materials from China. Lithium in the Ore Mountains could be of strategic importance. It's a reportage.\u00a0Read more (\u20ac)<\/a><\/p>\n

31.03.2025, energy future
\n The Illusion of Just Hydrogen <\/strong>
\nIf hydrogen is to be green, it must be imported on a large scale. In Germany, the potential of renewable energies is too low. Does green mean fair? A map points to the problem of imports.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

30.03.2025, News pool Latin America
\n EU trade agreements with Andean countries <\/strong>
\nThomas Fritz works as a trade and investment policy officer at PowerShift in Berlin. Stephan Moore spoke to him about the EU-Andean trade agreement.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

28.03.2025, bilaterals.org
\n The climate impact of the EU trade agreement with Colombia, Peru and Ecuador <\/strong>
\nThe agreement was promoted as provid- ing the means to deepen trade relations and stimulate economic growth, while also upholding high environmental and social standards. The EU particularly emphasised the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Chapter, which it said would ensure that economic benefits did not come at the cost of environmental degradation. However, PowerShift\u2019s ex-post evaluation shows that instead of supporting sustainable development, the agreement has primarily facilitated trade in environmentally harmful goods, and has also failed to introduce effective mecha- nisms to address sustainability challenges.\u00a0Read more<\/p>\n

26.03.2025, P\u00fablico
\n Para al\u00e9m do boom da minera\u00e7\u00e3o: dois elementos cr\u00edticos para uma transi\u00e7\u00e3o justa <\/strong>
\nPara al\u00e9m do boom da minera\u00e7\u00e3o: dois elementos cr\u00edticos para uma transi\u00e7\u00e3o justa Arriscamo-nos a trocar uma crise por outra. Urge conciliar a necessidade de recursos com os limites planet\u00e1rios e garantir que a transi\u00e7\u00e3o energ\u00e9tica n\u00e3o se torna outra fonte de danos irrevers\u00edveis.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

26.03.2025, Frankfurter Rundschau
\n Fair dialogue on raw materials <\/strong>
\nWe need a new movement that curbs the excessive consumption of metals and promotes a truly circular and solidarity-based change. A guest post by Michael Reckordt (Powershift) and Nik V\u00f6lker (Mining Watch Portugal).\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

26.03.2025, Tagesspiegel Background
\n EU deal on dirty hydrogen <\/strong>
\nLobbyists from European oil and gas companies have worked intensively on the planned legal act defining \"carbon-reduced\" hydrogen, a European research organisation has revealed. This could divert billion-dollar subsidies into the fossil sector and further exacerbate the climate crisis, warn Neelke Wagner and Kerstin Meyer.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.03.2025, Green Savers
\n ONG e associa\u00e7\u00f5es contestam escolha de minas como projetos estrat\u00e9gicos pela UE <\/strong>
\nOrganiza\u00e7\u00f5es n\u00e3o-governamentais (ONG) e associa\u00e7\u00f5es comunit\u00e1rias anunciaram hoje que v\u00e3o pedir \u00e0 Comiss\u00e3o Europeia que reveja a decis\u00e3o de escolher como projetos estrat\u00e9gicos, na Europa, minas a c\u00e9u aberto de l\u00edtio e outros minerais.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

04.03.2025, Table.Briefings
\n Taxonomy: How to make mining more sustainable <\/strong>
\nThe EU wants to include the extraction and processing of critical raw materials in the green taxonomy. But including mining in the taxonomy would undermine the credibility of the taxonomy, the NGO Power Shift believes.\u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

18.02.2025, Development policy online
\n Indonesia: 120 organisations call for an end to the EU free trade agreement <\/strong>
\nIn a joint opinion, civil society organisations from Europe and Indonesia have called on the EU and the Indonesian government to stop negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (CEPA). Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.12.2024, Land & Climate Review
\n \u201cShocking and sad\u201d: How corporations use investment agreements to block decarbonisation in the Global South <\/strong>
\nCamille Corcoran talks to experts about investor-state dispute settlements, which allow fossil fuel companies to bring multi-billion dollar lawsuits against countries that pass green policies. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.12.2024, Transnational Institute Dossier
\n Right to Repair and Circular Economy <\/strong>
\nThis conversation examines the connections between recycling, material reduction, and extractivism, focusing on nickel production in Indonesia. It explores how policies reducing extraction could benefit communities, the limits of recycling, and how reducing material use in Northern economies could alleviate extraction pressure. It also discusses justice in circular economy visions. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.12.2024, energy future
\n Turn off the gas tap <\/strong>
\nLiquid natural gas was considered a rescue in the gas crisis and is marketed as a clean transitional solution. But the expansion of the fossil sector fuels the climate crisis and leads to a new fossil dependency. NGOs protest against LNG summit in Berlin. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09.12.2024, Radio CORAX
\n \u201cFor us, this is a neocolonial agreement\u201d <\/strong>
\nThe European Union and the MERCOSUR countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay concluded negotiations on the MERCOSUR free trade agreement on Friday. The agreement was reached on the sidelines of a MERCOSUR summit in Montevideo, Uruguay. Listen to<\/p>\n

14.11.2024, Deutschlandfunk
\n How a sovereign wealth fund should secure Germany's supply <\/strong>
\nRaw materials such as rare earths, copper or lithium are indispensable not only for Europe's climate goals. However, the German economy still relies heavily on imports from China. A new federal government fund is set to reduce dependence. Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

13.11.2024, FactoryFunk
\n Hannah Pilgrim: How do you explain fair commodity trading? <\/strong>
\nHow fair are our smartphones and cars? Raw materials such as lithium, nickel and copper are in high demand in industry, but their extraction is often associated with human rights violations and environmental damage, explains Hannah Pilgrim. A fair-produced mobile phone or a computer whose materials have been obtained without ethical conflicts? Not really in sight yet. That is why PowerShift is committed to making raw material extraction more equitable. She talks to Nadine Hadad about the challenges of the global distribution of raw materials, the danger of deep-sea exploitation and ways to use raw materials more sustainably. Can we do better? Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

11.11.2024, Tagesspiegel Background
\n Lithium: Challenges for EU projects <\/strong>
\nLithium is the coveted raw material of the future, especially for electromobility. Promotion and processing are likely to be worthwhile in the coming years. The good prospects also attract companies to Germany and Europe. But the projects are only at the beginning. Whether they are all funded is open. Read more (\u20ac) <\/a><\/p>\n

23.10.2024, Tagesspiegel Background
\n Investor lawsuits against the federal government reach billions <\/strong>
\nThe German government estimates that investors are currently suing Germany for at least two billion euros. This is evident from the answer to a small question from the left in the Bundestag. Tagesspiegel Background is the document. Read more (\u20ac) <\/a><\/p>\n

15.10.2024, nd.Currently
\n District heating network in Berlin: Affordable heating costs <\/strong>
\nBerliner Energie und W\u00e4rme AG (BEW) relies on hydrogen and biomass for the decarbonisation of the district heating network. The environmental associations point to the potential of geothermal energy. We agree on one point: Consumers should not pay for it. Read more <\/a><\/p>\n

11.10.2024, Rethinking Trade
\nEU exits ISDS, kinda....<\/strong>
\nRapacious European corporations were top users of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) tribunals. For decades, they extracted billions from taxpayers worldwide, attacking local laws and suing governments before ISDS tribunals of three corporate attorneys. So, it was big news when the European Union recently exited one of the world\u2019s largest ISDS agreements \u2014 the Energy Charter Treaty. In the latest episode of the Rethinking Trade podcast, Lori Wallach is joined by two people who know the inside story: Cecilia Olivet, advisor to the Left Group in the European Parliament, and Fabian Flues, of the German-based organization Powershift. Listening in <\/a><\/p>\n

09.10.2024, Tagesspiegel Background
\nIf lithium protection goes before democracy.<\/strong>
\nPowershift's Michael Reckordt observes with great concern the German government's support for the lithium mining project in Serbia due to the increasing repression. \"The unbroken support of the project by Germany and the EU shows that industrial interests are currently once again being placed above human rights, democracy and the participation of those affected,\" says Reckordt. In the end, this could prove to be a disservice if companies had to withdraw from the project in the worst case because of reputational risks. Read more (\u20ac) <\/a><\/p>\n

06.10.2024, she drives mobility
\nCommodities at a turning point? Germany's dependency and the future of security of supply.<\/strong>
\nIn this podcast episode, Katja Diehl, moderator of the podcast, and Hannah Pilgrim, who coordinates the civil society alliance AK Rohstoff at PowerShift, dive deep into the world of critical raw materials. They shed light on Germany's dependence on metallic raw materials and the challenges that come with it. Together, they discuss why our modern lives would be inconceivable without these materials \u2013 from cars to smartphones \u2013 and how dangerous our import dependency can become. Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

21.09.2024, Capital
\nThis is what Germany's new risk fund for raw materials should look like<\/strong>
\nIn order to secure important raw materials for the future, Germany is setting up a fund. In the future, it will enable direct state participation in raw material projects. KfW is responsible. Companies like Aurubis and K+S are already in the starting blocks. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.09.2024, JACOBIN
\nThe EU turns Serbia into a mining colony<\/strong>
\nThe people of Serbia are protesting against lithium mining in their country \u2013 it pollutes the soil and contaminates the water. Nevertheless, the EU has adopted the Lithium Pact. Because the German electric car industry needs the raw material. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

30.08.2024, Table.Briefings
\nMetallic raw materials: Why supply chains are not transparent<\/strong>
\nThere is a \"large transparency gap\" in metallic supply chains, said Vanessa Fischer of the NGO Powershift on Thursday at the publication of the - according to the organization - first study on metallic supply chains in Germany. Read<\/a><\/p>\n

29.08.2024, nd.Currently
\nMetals against human rights<\/strong>
\nThe trade in copper and co is non-transparent, exploitative and hardly regulated, shows a research by the NGO Powershift.Read<\/a><\/p>\n

09.07.2024, Revista YARUMO International
\nLa politizaci\u00f3n de las Materias Primas<\/strong>
\n\u2018Las medidas no cambian, cambia es la ret\u00f3rica\u2019 dice Hannah Pilgrim, del C\u00edrculo de Trabajo en Materias Primas, que reune numerosas organizaciones de la sociedad civil alemana. Read<\/a><\/p>\n

01.07.2024, climate reporter
\nSecret tribunals are increasingly attacking climate policy<\/strong>
\nPrivate ISDS arbitration courts allow fossil companies and their investors to override the energy transition measures of entire states. The new Global ISDS Tracker from PowerShift, the Transnational Institute and the Trade Justice Movement has now revealed how big the problem is. A guest contribution from the three NGOs. Read<\/a><\/p>\n

24.06.2024, frei-radios.net
\nJavier Milei's visit to Germany and what the political situation in Argentina has to do with the EU<\/strong>
\nThe ultra-right-wing Argentine President Javier Milei, who describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, has driven many people further into poverty with his austerity policy over the past six months, which has risen from 44.7 percent to 44.7 percent.% to 55.5% increased. Basic needs such as food, rent, health insurance, etc. can no longer be afforded by many people and homelessness has increased. And, of course, Milei's inhumane hate discourse reinforces discrimination against and violence against LGBTQI, women and indigenous groups, for example. Nevertheless, Javier Milei was received in Germany by Chancellor Scholz and even received an honorary medal from the AfD-affiliated Hayek Society. Studio guest Fabiana explains how Javier Milei can also be classified internationally politically and what economic interests Germany and the EU pursue in diplomatic relations with Argentina. In addition to those affected in Argentina, the organisers of the \u2018Anti-Milei Month\u2019 of the Asamblea en Solidaridad con Argentina en Berlin also have their say. Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

19.06.2024, Deutsche Welle
\nArgentina's controversial President Milei in Germany<\/strong>
\nThe right-wing populist, libertarian politician and self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist comes to Berlin. What does Javier Milei want to achieve with his visit? Oliver Pieper, DW reporter and editor, talks about this with PowerShift trade consultant Bettina M\u00fcller, among others. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Also in Spanish, Deutsche Welle reported.<\/a><\/p>\n

14.06.2024, energy future
\nCritical view of the Critical Raw Materials Regulation<\/strong>
\nThe European Critical Raw Materials Act aims to secure resources for the green transition and make the EU more independent from imports. But crucial aspects such as the high consumption of raw materials are missing, explains PowerShift Raw Materials Officer Michael Reckordt. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

11.06.2024, The Raven Ralf June\/July 2024
\nNetworked turnarounds in Berlin<\/strong>
\nLike all major cities, Berlin consumes far more resources than the city itself can provide. This destroys the environment, fuels the climate crisis and exacerbates injustices, both within urban society and on a global scale. How can we create a sustainable, globally and locally equitable city? By understanding how the raw materials, energy, heating and mobility transitions are related and by tackling them together. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.06.2024, energy future
\nInvestment protection fuels the climate crisis<\/strong>
\nInvestor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) lawsuits have risen rapidly over the past three decades. This is shown by the Global ISDS Tracker database presented last week by the non-governmental organization PowerShift, the Transnational Institute and the Trade Justice Movement. Both the number and the amount of compensation claimed have increased significantly, including in the case of dispute settlements between states and fossil-fuel companies. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

07.06.2024, RFI
\nEnvironnement: un m\u00e9canisme juridique peu connu profite aux soci\u00e9t\u00e9s de combustibles fossiles<\/strong>
\nPr\u00e8s de 114 billions de dollars, c\u2019est la somme totale que des tribunaux d\u2019arbitrage ont fait payer par des \u00c9tats \u00e0 des entreprises priv\u00e9es \u00e0 ce jour. Pour parvenir \u00e0 ce chiffre, plusieurs ONG ou groupement d\u2019organisations, dont Trade Justice Movement et Powershift, ont compil\u00e9 des ann\u00e9es de donn\u00e9es et les ont synth\u00e9tis\u00e9es sur un site lanc\u00e9 jeudi 6 juin. Le nombre d\u2019affaires s\u2019est accru \u00e0 partir des ann\u00e9es 2000 et a explos\u00e9 depuis une quinzaine d\u2019ann\u00e9es. Parmi les requ\u00e9rants les plus gourmands figurent les compagnies du secteur fossile. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.06.2024, taz
\nArgentina's President Milei in Hamburg: The Chainsaw Man is Coming<\/strong>
\nThe self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist Javier Milei comes to Hamburg. The Argentine President is awarded the Hayek Medal by the right-wing libertarian Friedrich August von Hayek Society. He will also meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). Protests are raging against the visit of the market-radical political rebel. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.06.2024, courier
\nSo far, corporations have sued states for $857 billion.<\/strong>
\nA total of 857 billion dollars (788 billion euros) have so far been claimed by corporations before international arbitration courts of states, reports the non-governmental organization Attac. She refers to the transparency database Global ISDS Tracker, which was created by the non-governmental organizations PowerShift, Transnational Institute and Trade Justice Movement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.06.2024, The Guardian
\nSecretive court system has awarded over $100bn public money to corporations, finds new analysis<\/strong>
\nMore than $100bn of public money has been awarded to private investors in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) courts, according to the most comprehensive analysis yet. The controversial arbitration system which allows corporations to sue governments for compensation over decisions they argue affects their profits is carried out behind closed doors, with some judgments kept secret. But, according to a global ISDS tracker which launches today, $114BN has so far been paid out of the public purse to investors.<\/p>\n

The Global ISDS Tracker was developed and published by PowerShift, the Transnational Institute and the Trade Justice Movement and in collaboration with the International Accountability Project and the Institute for Policy Studies. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

The Global ISDS Tracker has also been reported in other international media: Mother Jones<\/a>, Counterpunch<\/a>, Common dreams<\/a>, One green planet<\/a>, Wirenew's fax<\/a>.<\/p>\n

03.06.2024, EU RENEW
\nCritical Raw Materials Act \u2013 a regulation in the interests of the European economy?<\/strong>
\nEuropean industry accounts for more than 20 per cent of total European value added and \u201cgenerates over 80 per cent of EU exports\u201d, writes the German Ministry of Economic Affairs. These shows the production and economic systems in the EU are designed to import raw materials, process them further and then export the finished products. Between 25 and 30 per cent of the metals produced globally are used or consumed in Europe. But most of these metals and minerals are mainly extracted outside the EU. That was not always the case. At the beginning of the last century, Europe was still responsible for 40 per cent of global mining production; Today it is around three per cent. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

30.05.2024, Deutschlandfunk
\nControversial agreement - EU decides to withdraw from the Energy Charter<\/strong>
\nWith its approval of the EU's withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty, the European Council has finalised this agreement. Fabian Flues, Trade and Investment Policy Officer at PowerShift, spoke with Jule Reimer about what this exit means for the EU and the other European Member States. Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

30.05.2024, Nachrichtenpool Lateinamerika
\n Investment protection: Human rights don't matter <\/strong>
\nIn spring 2023, Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck travelled to Colombia. Shortly thereafter, Germany agreed a climate and energy partnership with Colombia. But what is the reality on the ground? And what if corporate lawsuits hinder attempts to improve human rights and the environment? Newspool Latin America spoke about this with Fabian Flues, speaker for trade and investment policy at PowerShift, among others. Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

21.05.2024, News pool Latin America
\nParallel Justice for Coal<\/strong>
\nThrough the Investment Protection Act, companies are able to undermine the work of environmental protection. Fabian Flues, PowerShift's Trade and Investment Policy Officer, explains what the Investment Protection Act is all about. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

02.05.2024, agricultural talks
\nFTA<\/strong>
\nBettina M\u00fcller, trade officer at PowerShift, talks about free trade agreements and their dangers for people and the environment in the podcast Agrar-Gesgespr\u00e4che. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

02.05.2024, taz
\nResources consumed for 2024<\/strong>
\nThis year, Germans are already living at the expense of other countries with their consumption of raw materials from 2 May. There are ideas to save resources. One of them is raw material reduction. PowerShift has commissioned the ifeu Institute to calculate concrete savings potentials. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

31.03.2024, zdf Today
\n Investment Protection Agreement: How Companies Complain About Environmental Protection <\/strong>
\nInvestment protection agreements allow companies to sue countries in which they invest in arbitral tribunals. In environmental matters, lawsuits against states weighing millions are on the rise. Fabian Flues, Trade and Investment Policy Officer, criticises, among other things, the composition of these arbitral tribunals and demands that arbitral tribunals be excluded from commercial contracts. Read more<\/p>\n

28.03.2024, Table.Media
\n Metals: Mobility and construction are levers for savings <\/strong>
\nDue to the increasing demand for raw materials for the energy transition, it is necessary to reduce consumption. This should make Germany more independent of imports and conserve resources. A new study commissioned by PowerShift at the ifeu Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Heidelberg looks at the potential of the most important metals. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

27.03.2024, DER SPIEGEL
\n Researchers see great potential in raw material recycling <\/strong>
\nCopper, aluminum, iron, nickel and other raw materials are critical to the development of the domestic economy. Germany's dependence on raw material imports could be significantly reduced by more recycling. This is the result of a study by the Ifeu Institute on behalf of the non-governmental organisation Powershift, which is available to SPIEGEL. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.03.2024, oekonews.at
\n CETA failed in France \/ Studies: Agreement undermines climate targets <\/strong>
\nThe French Senate has clearly rejected the ratification of the EU-Canada trade agreement (CETA) by 211 votes to 44. This is good news, because recent studies by the German NGO PowerShift and the French Veblen Institute show that CETA is undermining the Paris climate targets and harming the environment. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

13.03.2024, Europe \u2013 Table.Media
\n Surprising verdict: Romania does not have to pay compensation to mining company <\/strong>
\nDue to a withdrawn concession for gold mining, Romania threatened high claims for damages. Now an international arbitral tribunal has decided the investor protection procedure differently. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06.03.2024, ESG \u2013 Table.Media
\n European Commission: Reform the Energy Charter, then withdraw <\/strong>
\nShortly before the end of the legislature, the Commission is trying to resolve a dispute over reform or withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty. Now both are to be made possible. Investor protection should no longer hinder climate policy. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

04.03.2024, NANO
\n Contribution on investor-state arbitration <\/strong>
\nIn the program NANO, 3sat addresses investor-state arbitration proceedings and also speaks with our trade and investment policy speaker, Fabian Flues. A noteworthy contribution about the madness and dangers of ISDS lawsuits. From 6:10. View<\/a><\/p>\n

29.02.2024, Tagesspiegel
\n Wood instead of coal: Environmental associations criticize district heating plans of Vattenfall and Berlin Senate <\/strong>
\nIn order to bring the coal share in district heating and electricity production to zero as far as possible, Vattenfall relies on renewable wood plantations. A mistake at the expense of the climate, say critics. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Further articles on this report have been published, among others, in the Taz<\/a>, in the Frankfurter Rundschau<\/a> and in the case of Climate reporter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

29.02.2024, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
\n EU supply chain law fails at federal government <\/strong>
\nThe EU Supply Chain Act fails due to the federal government. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation spoke with Hannah Pilgrim, coordinator of the AK Rohstoff at PowerShift, about the U-turn of the traffic light coalition and the impact of the failure of the bill. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

20.02.2024, JACOBIN Magazine
\n Human rights along supply chains \u2013 not with the FDP <\/strong>
\nThe FDP wants to prevent the EU supply chain directive, which would make it possible to prosecute companies for offences in their global production networks. Merle Groneweg, a freelancer at PowerShift, writes about the blockade of the bill. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

20.02.2024, Table.Media
\n More and more lawsuits based on investment protection agreements are directed against climate and environmental legislation <\/strong>
\nA Canadian mining company has sued Romania for several billion euros in damages for an undisclosed mining license. The lawsuit is based on international treaties designed to protect investments by companies abroad. One consequence of this process is that states shy away from ambitious environmental regulation. Our trade consultant Fabian Fluss spoke to Table.Media about this challenge for climate protection. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

16.02.2024, POLICY
\n \u201cWhen it comes to primary materials, we need to think more about reduction\u201d <\/strong>
\nIn an interview with POLITIKUM, our raw material expert Michael Reckordt explains why the concept of reduction is not yet sufficiently anchored in the consumption of primary materials \u2013 and how this could be changed. Buy magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

15.02.2024, Capital
\n How Germany wants to secure raw materials with a sovereign wealth fund <\/strong>
\nAs part of the Raw Materials Fund, the Federal Government has commissioned the State Bank KfW to invest in raw materials projects. However, what the procurement procedures will look like is still unclear. It is clear: Germany must ensure human rights and environmental standards, according to our raw material expert Hannah Pilgrim. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

24.01.2024, Deutschlandfunk
\n Lithium, Cobalt and Co. \u2013 What about the new mining?<\/strong>
\nLithium, cobalt or nickel are irreplaceable for the energy transition. So far, China controls much of the world's production. That's supposed to change. These and other raw materials are to be extracted in Germany and Europe in the future. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, our raw material expert Michael Reckordt ranks these efforts and their consequences. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

31.12.2023, News Pool Latin America
\n Decisive year 2024 for EU-South America trade agreement<\/strong>
\nThe main criticisms of the various EU agreements with Mexico, Chile and Mercosur are similar. What dangers do civil society actors see and how do activists around the world organise themselves to take action against these trade agreements? More on this in this article. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

06\/12\/2023, Young World
\nExploitation of the Global South: Lula is surrounded by market radicals<\/strong>
\nThe EU-Mercosur agreement between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and the European Union has long been criticised for endangering nature and human rights. Nevertheless, Brazil's President Luiz In\u00e1cio Lula da Silva urges the conclusion of the negotiations during his visit to Berlin. Our trade expert Bettina M\u00fcller explains how these ambitions are to be assessed, what role the presidential elections in Argentina play in this and the background of the criticism of the agreement by civil society. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/12\/2023, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nAgainst \u2018cow trade with Mercosur\u2019<\/strong>
\nNon-governmental organizations call on the federal government to renegotiate the agreement with the South American Mercosur states. They see the deal as a fire accelerator for the climate crisis and species extinction and warn of consequences for indigenous communities. The FR reports on our criticism of the Mercosur agreement and our protest on the visit of Brazilian President Lula da Silva to Berlin, together with other civil society organisations. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

24.11.2023, iz3w
\nMore mining in and for Europe?<\/strong>
\nThe extraction of raw materials is usually only feasible with enormous ecological and social consequences. However, they are indispensable for the European climate protection goals and the energy transition. But how much mining is fair? The new EU law on critical raw materials now sets the course for the future of raw materials policy. What does this mean for the resource-rich countries of the Global South? Does it even help the climate? These questions are addressed in a guest article on our raw material expert Michael Reckordt. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

23.11.2023, Tagesspiegel Background
\nIndigenous peoples and affected communities may have a say in the future<\/strong>
\nIn record time, the EU has agreed on a regulation on raw materials. The industry is cautiously optimistic, while civil society organisations lack concrete targets to reduce the consumption of raw materials or reject the regulation altogether. One expert doubts the EU's ability to act on commodity markets. Read more<\/p>\n

15.11.2023, Tagesspiegel Background
\nEurope is building on itself<\/strong>
\nThe EU's dependence on individual countries for the supply of rare materials is to be reduced. The Critical Raw Materials Act, agreed between the European Council and the European Parliament. Initial reactions are positive. Our raw material expert Michael Reckordt comments: \"It is to be welcomed that the EU has agreed on higher recycling targets\". Read more<\/p>\n

15.11.2023, energy future
\nProduce more raw materials for Europe in Europe<\/strong>
\nThe EU agrees on a new raw materials law at a record pace. The aim is to produce more raw materials for Europe, including in Europe. The agreement on higher recycling targets in this framework is to be welcomed. At the same time, it is unclear to what extent the globally unjust and ecologically destructive consumption of raw materials is also being addressed. Our raw material expert Michael Reckordt comments: \"So far, the European Commission has refused to do so. This high consumption is the starting point for the violation of human and labour rights, indigenous rights and environmental standards\u201d. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

15.11.2023, The Jolt
\nWe are living in a raw material world<\/strong>
\nThe race for raw materials is gaining momentum and is thus becoming more complicated. This edition of FORESIGHT Climate & Energy's The Jolt podcast takes a look at the global raw materials race and the role of the US in it, hosted by our raw materials expert Michael Reckordt. Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

14.11.2023, Edition Le Monde diplomatique
\nGreen colonialism<\/strong>
\nAccording to the United Nations, global raw material consumption has increased from 43 billion tons in 1990 to 95 billion tons in 2019. And with it, global energy consumption: It has doubled since 1980. Is this development to be stopped or even reversed? What are the alternatives to disposable consumption and unbridled growth? This LMd edition booklet deals with these and many other questions. In the article, our raw material expert Hannah Pilgrim refers to the role of the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains, which has been in force since the beginning of 2023, the EU Supply Chain Act, which is currently being negotiated, and the so-called UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights, which has been negotiated for years. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

14.11.2023, taz
\nMetals from domestic mining<\/strong>
\nMore mining in Europe, less dependence on resource-rich countries, more recycling: This is how the EU responds to the new geopolitical situation. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

09\/11\/2023, Radio Dreyeckland
\nIndigenous and smallholder farmers will be particularly affected<\/strong>
\nShocked by the breakdown of supply chains during the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and tensions with China, the EU Commission has adopted a draft Critical Raw Materials Act. Michael Reckordt of the PowerShift association criticizes the fact that it is only about supplying the industry with raw materials, while human rights are not respected. Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

06.11.2023, Tagesspiegel Background
\nWithdrawal of the RWE arbitration suit meets with approval<\/strong>
\nRWE has now withdrawn a lawsuit under the Energy Charter Treaty. Read more<\/p>\n

03.11.2023, EnergyFuture
\nRWE withdraws lawsuit against Dutch coal phase-out<\/strong>
\nAnother lawsuit brought by a German group under the controversial Energy Charter Treaty is history. RWE does not want to pursue a lawsuit against the coal phase-out of the Netherlands. The withdrawal does not seem entirely voluntary. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

02.11.2023, taz
\n\"An important victory for the state\"<\/strong>
\nFollowing a BGH ruling, RWE withdraws its billion-dollar lawsuit against the Netherlands. This is a great success, especially for the climate movement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

26\/10\/2023, Tagesspiegel Background
\nSeveral Energy Charter lawsuits against Germany<\/strong>
\nOn Tuesday, the British refinery operator Klesch filed a lawsuit against Germany under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) together with Heide Raffinerie, a German refinery belonging to the group. This is the second time in a few days that a company wants to bring Germany before an international arbitration court. Last week, a public energy company from Switzerland filed its lawsuit against the Federal Republic of Germany. Read more<\/p>\n

24\/10\/2023, Frankly speaking
\n#32 by Michael Reckordt: Critical Raw Materials Act<\/strong>
\nIn this episode of the Franky speaking podcast, Frank Bold talks to our raw materials expert Michael Reckordt about the emergence and impact of Critical Raw Materials Acts (CRMA). Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

01.10.2023, rbb inforadio
\nWhat about EU-Latin America relations?<\/strong>
\nThe German government is currently trying to improve relations with Latin America. Spain is also looking across the Atlantic as part of its EU Presidency. But what could a common European strategy for Latin American relations look like? Sandra Schwarte discusses this with her guests. Listening in<\/p>\n

01.10.2023, sheets
\nHydrogen from Africa: Hope for whom?<\/strong>
\nThe energy sector is responsible for more than three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the discussion about the energy transition, hydrogen is also coming into focus again and again. What are the conditions for fair hydrogen production in Africa? Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

29.09.2023, Leaves Podcast
\nHydrogen from Africa: Hope for whom?<\/strong>
\nThe energy sector is responsible for more than three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the discussion about the energy transition, hydrogen is also coming into focus again and again. What are the conditions for fair hydrogen production in Africa? Listening in<\/a><\/p>\n

23.09.2023, Deutschlandfunk
\nMineral raw materials for a climate-friendly economy<\/strong>
\nFor the energy transition and e-mobility, Germany and the EU need mineral raw materials. Intensified, domestic funding is now also coming back into focus. What kind of projects are there, how calculable are the risks? Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

22.09.2023, Tagesspiegel
\nClimate protection softened in Ceta additional declaration<\/strong>
\nAdditional declarations on the Ceta free trade agreement do not protect states from claims for damages from corporations, Powershift and the Munich Environmental Institute warn. The environmental associations have presented a previously secret version of an interpretation aid, according to which climate protection could cost states dearly. Politicians disagree with the accusations. Read more<\/p>\n

21.09.2023, Global magazine
\nPowerShift and Environmental Institute publish secret CETA interpretation statement<\/strong>
\nBy means of an \u2018interpretation declaration\u2019, the contracting parties wish to address the ongoing criticism of the investment protection chapter of the European-Canadian free trade agreement (CETA). PowerShift and the Munich Environmental Institute today published the consolidated text of this interpretation statement and a detailed analysis. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

21.09.2023, endseurope
\n\u2018Countries can still say no\u2019: Climate backstop weakened in draft CETA add-on<\/strong>
\nAn interpretative text on investor-state dispute settlement under the 2014 EU-Canada trade deal has been watered down, according to a leaked draft, compounding doubts about the climate compatibility of the partially ratified agreement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

18.09.2023, Rhein-Neckar newspaper
\nGermany is dependent on raw materials from other countries<\/strong>
\n\u201cThinking about savings\u201d: The social scientist Hannah Pilgrim in an interview. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.09.2023, podcast: she drives mobility
\nThe climate and raw materials crisis will not be driven away with the electric car!<\/strong>
\nThe relevance of responsible raw material procurement by car companies has only received more attention in connection with the drive turnaround. The massive increase in demand for metals due to electromobility has brought human rights, social and environmental problems in the mining of these raw materials into focus. Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

04.09.2023, oekonews.at
\nPowerShift: Consequences of the EU's withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty<\/strong>
\nA study by PowerShift examines the responsibilities of EU member states under the Energy Charter Treaty if the EU, but not the member state, withdraws from the ECT. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

29\/08\/2023, Table.Europe
\nTine Laufer - Climate action lobbyist in a fairer world<\/strong>
\nPortrait of Tine Laufer and PowerShift in Table.Europe Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

July 2023, Policy Dispatch Podcast-Sam Morgan
\nCharting a new energy course<\/strong>
\nA controversial international energy pact could soon be a thing of the past after the EU unveiled a plan to exit the agreement. Fabian Flues joins the show to explain what the Energy Charter Treaty is and why it is so divisive Listen to the podcast<\/a><\/p>\n

27.07.2023, Tagesspiegel
\nFederal Government adapts hydrogen strategy<\/strong>
\nFor some it is a scandal, for others it does not go far enough: The revision of the National Hydrogen Strategy is a matter decided. Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck stressed that blue H2 will be promoted in the meantime. Much now depends on the laws on the heat transition. Read more<\/p>\n

11.07.2023, Tagesspiegel
\nWhat is the benefit of the EU Battery Regulation for child labourers in the Congo?<\/strong>
\nThe EU Council of Ministers has adopted the new Battery Regulation. This also provides for complaint and redress mechanisms for miners in the Congo, for example. But these rights are difficult to enforce in practice, experts complain. Read more<\/p>\n

04.07.2023, Plusminus (ARD)
\nWithout cobalt fewer electric cars<\/strong>
\nCobalt is a key raw material for the lithium-ion batteries of electric cars. 70% of the world's production comes from the Central African country of Congo. German companies have little direct access to this important mineral. This is due, among other things, to the Supply Chain Act, which has been in force since the beginning of the year. It obliges companies to respect human rights in global supply chains. However, the mining conditions in the Congo are not determined by protection against child labour, fair wages and environmental aspects. Read more<\/p>\n

04.07.2023, Bonner Umweltzeitung
\nRaw materials turnaround is resource protection<\/strong>
\nIn this interview, Michael Reckordt (PowerShift) answers questions about raw materials in the EU and worldwide contexts as well as about PowerShift's campaign work for a raw materials transition. Read more<\/p>\n

03.07.2023, ENDS europe
\nMember states set out negotiating position on critical raw materials<\/strong>
\nNational capitals have reached a compromise on the Critical Raw Materials Act with a raised overall ambition, more flexible timelines for environmental impact assessments and a slightly wider list of materials covered. Read more<\/p>\n

29.06.2023, Bread for the World Blog
\nAccess to raw materials - In the name of sustainability<\/strong>
\nThe European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050 and promote sustainable growth. However, concrete strategies are lacking to decouple economic growth from resource use. A comprehensive turnaround in raw materials is needed to change global consumption patterns and enable equitable and sustainable development.Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

23.05.2023, TableEurope
\nCRMA: Rapid action by the Council and Parliament<\/strong>
\nThe Competitiveness Council and the European Parliament's Industrial Committee discussed the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) yesterday. Even before the summer, both institutions want to agree on their positions. In particular, the debate on mining in nature reserves could get in the way of the ambitious timetable. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

02\/05\/2023, Tagesspiegel
\nHannah Pilgrim - Head of the Raw Materials Policy Network at Powershift<\/strong>
\nHannah Pilgrim heads the Raw Materials Working Group at Powershift and is committed to a sustainable and socially fairer raw materials transition. She sees the decisive levers for this in politics. Read more<\/p>\n

03\/04\/2023, TableMedia
\nHannah Pilgrim \u2013 Raw materials as a life theme<\/strong>
\nFor them, there is no responsible mining: Hannah Pilgrim coordinates the network of the Working Group on Raw Materials at the NGO Powershift. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

30.03.2023, Deutschlandfunk
\nOrganisations criticise \u2018leaked\u2019 documents on EU-Mercosur Treaty addendum<\/strong>
\nThe planned free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American economic community Mercosur suggests a new dispute. The reason is a previously secret supplementary agreement, which became public on the occasion of the EU summit in Brussels. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

29.03.2023, Latin America21
\nFree Trade Agreement with the EU: Mercosur rejects environmental regulations as too harsh and unbalanced<\/strong>
\nAdditional chapters leaked. Environmental organisations criticise \"little confessions\" and unrealistic measures on climate protection and human rights. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

17.03.2023, Deutschlandfunk
\n The EU Raw Materials Strategy: Big ambitions, few instruments<\/strong>
\nFor some raw materials, the EU is almost completely dependent on China. With its own raw materials strategy, Brussels wants to change this and strengthen its self-sufficiency. However, raw material expert Michael Reckordt is \u2018very sceptical\u2019 about the targets. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

16.03.2023, climate reporter
\n EU Raw Materials Act with vacancies<\/strong>
\nThe European Union wants to improve self-sufficiency with critical raw materials for the energy transition and digitalisation. In today's law, critics lack the development of environmental and human rights standards. Read more<\/p>\n

15.03.2023, Frankfurter Rundschau
\n Draft EU: More raw materials to come from Europe's mines<\/strong>
\nThe European Union wants to become more independent from imports and increasingly self-promote more minerals such as lithium. Critics: there is a lack of strengthening of human rights in the traditional supplier countries. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

15.03.2023, TableMedia
\nChile's long road to sustainable copper<\/strong>
\nGermany is increasingly relying on copper from Chile. The step is inevitable, as it is one of the most important raw materials of the transformation. But dismantling damages people's health and the environment. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

13.03.2023, Tagesspiegel
\nEU for more recycling and extraction of raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe European Commission wants to set minimum quotas for the extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials. This is the result of a leaked draft of the Critical Raw Materials Strategy, which is due to be officially presented this week. Reactions are mixed. Read more<\/p>\n

03\/2023, commondreams.org
\nUS and EU Groups Call for \u2018Ceasefire\u2019 on Trade Challenges to Climate Policies <\/strong>
\nA coalition of more than three dozen progressive advocacy groups based in the United States and the European Union on Monday implored E.U. policymakers to stop pursuing challenges to the Inflation Reduction Act and urged governments on both sides of the Atlantic to start prioritizing decarbonization over corporate-friendly trade rules. Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n

09.03.2023, Tagesspiegel Background Traffic & Smart Mobility
\nIndustry praises draft for European raw materials law, blame of NGOs and the Greens<\/strong>
\nThe EU Commission wants to set minimum quotas for the extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials. This is the result of a leak of the strategy for critical raw materials, which is to be officially presented next week. Reactions are mixed. Read more<\/p>\n

17\/01\/2023, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nEnergy transition needs a lot of metal<\/strong>
\nThe demand for lithium and cobalt, for example, will rise sharply. However, this is not dramatic, according to a recent study. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

5 January 2022, Deutschlandfunk
\nStudy: Metal consumption for the energy transition<\/strong>
\nThe Federal Government's raw materials strategy also states that the demand for metals for the energy transition will increase. Experts at the energy policy association PowerShift have looked at the connections between the expansion of renewables and metal consumption. Listen to<\/a><\/p>\n

1.12.2022, ZDF Morgenmagazin
\nBundestag votes on Ceta agreement<\/strong>
\nSince September 2017, the controversial EU trade agreement with Canada has been provisionally in force. After years of debate, the Bundestag is now voting on the ratification of Ceta. look at<\/p>\n

30.11.2022, German Bundestag
\nMeasures to safeguard raw materials discussed in the Economic Committee<\/strong>
\nHow to safely supply Germany with raw materials was the subject of a public hearing of the Economic Committee on Wednesday, 30 November 2022. Specifically, the experts commented on requests from the CDU\/CSU (20\/4042) and AfD (20\/4065). Hannah Pilgrim was on the committee for PowerShift\/AK Raw Materials. Read more and watch<\/a><\/p>\n

28.11.2022, taz
\nCeta is wrong.<\/strong>
\nThis week, the Bundestag should give the green light for Ceta. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets against the EU-Canada trade agreement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.11.2022, EnergyFuture
\nMetals for energy production<\/strong>
\nEnergy production, whether fossil or renewable, requires large quantities of metals, but the demand for wind power and photovoltaics is lower than for gas-fired or coal-fired power plants. Renewables are also not a driver for mining. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.11.2022, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
\nTreasure Island of Japan<\/strong>
\nConcerns about the availability of scarce raw materials are justified. What Germany could learn from Japan's strategic raw materials policy. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

23.11.2022, EnergyFuture
\nIs the Energy Charter coming to an end?<\/strong>
\nThe reform of the Energy Charter Treaty has not found a majority among the EU member states in a landmark vote. Withdrawal of the EU significantly reduces the risk of lawsuits by foreign investors. Good for climate protection. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

22.11.2022, nd
\nLong way out of fossil gagging<\/strong>
\nWhen the members of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) meet on Tuesday in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator, it's about the sausage: A decision is to be taken here on a reform of the agreement, which entered into force in 1998 and was followed by more than 50 countries, mainly in Europe. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

14.11.2022, The Guardian
\nRevealed: secret courts that allow energy firms to sue for billions accused of \u2018bias\u2019 as governments exit<\/strong>
\nSecret Court Set Up Under Energy Charter Treaty Considered of Conflicts of Interest, Self-Regulation Issues and Institutional Bias Continue<\/a><\/p>\n

13.11.2022, taz
\nFarewell to the Energy Charter!<\/strong>
\nGermany is withdrawing from the controversial Energy Charter Treaty, the members of which guarantee groups special investment protection. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

12.11.2022, Wind Power Journal
\nGermany announces withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty<\/strong>
\nAfter years of protests by climate activists against the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and two years of unsuccessful negotiations on its reform, the Federal Government now announces: Germany will withdraw from the ECT anti-climate agreement. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.11.2022, nd
\nCycle instead of exploitation<\/strong>
\nThe increased use of renewable energies is not an alternative, but must be accompanied by a turnaround in raw materials. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

2.11.2022, Europe Calling
\n\u201cECT: Reform or Exit?\u201d<\/strong>
\nNote from the 137th edition of Europe Calling of 2 November 2022 in cooperation with Anna Cavazzini MEP on \u201cECT: Reform or Exit? \u2013 What's next for the climate-damaging Energy Charter Treaty\u201d, guests: Anna Cavazzini, Christina Eckes and Fabian Flues Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

26\/10\/2022, taz
\nDo not allow fracking<\/strong>
\nOpen letter from 50 organizations: Fifty organizations are calling for a clear positioning of the federal government. Fracking should remain banned, even if calls for it become louder.
\nRead more<\/a><\/p>\n

20\/10\/2022, taz
\nThe way out of the China trap<\/strong>
\nThe energy transition depends largely on raw materials. Economics Minister Habeck focuses on cooperation and the circular economy.
\nRead more<\/a><\/p>\n

17\/10\/2022, nd
\nLong road to the turnaround in raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe demand for metals is increasing sharply. NGOs are calling for a rethinking of procurement and consumption.
\nRead more<\/a><\/p>\n

06\/10\/2022, taz
\nLawsuits against climate protection expected<\/strong>
\nStrong protection for investors is the big point of contention in the free trade agreement Ceta. An expert opinion shows that lawsuits against climate protection measures threaten. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

26.09.2022, odysso \u2013 Knowledge in SWR, SWR Television
\nHow sustainable is the turnaround in raw materials?<\/strong>
\nAs an NGO, the Berlin-based association PowerShift fights for the rights of people who lose their livelihoods through the promotion of raw materials. look at<\/p>\n

24\/08\/2022, Table Europe
\nSanctions against Russia must also include imports of metals<\/strong>
\nEurope continues to import large volumes of metals such as nickel, copper and aluminium from Russia \u2013 from companies owned by Putin-affiliated oligarchs. The EU and the German government must stop these imports and drastically change raw materials policy, writes Michael Reckordt of the NGO PowerShift.Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

10.08.2022, energy future
\nRecycling and sustainably promoting raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe overexploitation of raw materials worldwide destroys the environment and habitats. For a green future, significantly more raw materials must be recycled, sustainably used and promoted. Instead of hunger for raw materials, a change in raw materials is needed.(Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

28.07.2022, climate reporter
\nAlmost two earths needed<\/strong>
\nEarth Overshoot Day was reached one day earlier. A part of humanity lives on far too large a foot. Metal consumption must be reduced as a matter of urgency, warn non-governmental organizations. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

27.07.2022, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nFrom now on the earth is overloaded<\/strong>
\nFor the rest of the year, humanity is living on pump when it comes to resource consumption. That is why environmental organisations are calling for a turnaround in raw materials from traffic lights. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

15.07.2022, Guest post in the Forum Newsletter
\nInsurance for Fossils<\/strong>
\nFollowing the arbitration actions brought by RWE and Uniper against the Dutch coal phase-out, the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) has been heavily criticised. His reform is now in its final stages: In the coming weeks, it will be decided whether Germany and other countries will leave the agreement. But regardless of how the reform process ends, the conflict between investment protection treaties and climate protection will continue if the German government and the EU do not initiate a U-turn. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

14.07.2022, Table China
\nGermany remains dependent on raw materials from China<\/strong>
\nGerman imports of raw materials from the People\u2019s Republic have not decreased, despite appeals to reduce dependencies. It is difficult to move away as long as prices are low and trade relations are reliable. Comparisons with Russian gas are emerging. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

07.07.2022, tagesspiegel
\nneighbourhood<\/strong>
\nWhy the traffic turnaround in Berlin Pankow is halting and how to proceed with our parklets. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

05.07.2022, taz
\nRatification at gallop<\/strong>
\nThe Greens want to ratify the economic agreement Ceta quickly - despite the disputed arbitration courts and the legal privileges for corporations. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

05.07.2022, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nTrade agreement with Canada not approved<\/strong>
\nAnyone who is serious about climate protection must not ratify Ceta! (Read more)<\/p>\n

30.06.2022, Energy future
\nThe end of reform <\/strong>
\nThe outcome of the reform negotiations of the Energy Charter Treaty is disappointing. Crucial points of the anti-climate agreement remain. Civil society organisations, academics and politicians from several countries are calling for the withdrawal. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

29\/06\/2022, Telepolis
\nBack to Coal<\/strong>
\nLast week was not good for climate protection. The role of energy policy backwards in Germany (and not only there) continues. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.06.2022, Handelsblatt
\nSuccess for climate defenders: Investment protection for coal, oil and gas to be eliminated<\/strong>
\nFor years, the Energy Charter Treaty has been sharply criticized for protecting dirty power plants and pipelines. Now there will be reform. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

24.06.2022, Tagesspiegel Background
\nThe EU's withdrawal from the Energy Charter is more likely<\/strong>
\n(Read more)<\/p>\n

23.06.2022, Guest article in the Climate Reporter
\nWhy the EU should withdraw from the Energy Charter <\/strong>
\nAt the end of this week, the reform of the Energy Charter Treaty is to be in dry cloths. But the EU will not achieve its own reform goals. If it wants to pursue a Paris-compliant climate policy in the next few years, it must now withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty. (Read more)<\/p>\n

21.06.2022, Tagesspiegel Background
\nFighting for the Energy Charter <\/strong>
\nA decision on the reform of the Energy Charter Treaty is pending. Climate defenders are sounding the alarm and calling for an exit of the EU from the conciliation system. Meanwhile, the EU is trying to push through a special clause to exclude fossil projects. (Read more)<\/p>\n

19.06.2022, Reutlinger General-Anzeiger
\nThe T\u00fcbingen Human Rights Week begins<\/strong>
\nDiscussion events, workshops and a cooking evening are planned. The keynote speech will be given by Hannah Pilgrim, PowerShift consultant for raw materials policy and head of the working group on raw materials. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

07\/06\/2022, macronome
\nWithout a turnaround in raw materials, we will not achieve the climate targets<\/strong>
\nIt is often done as if the fight against climate change \u2018only\u2019 requires a transformation of the current economy. But the climate crisis is a crisis of the dominant production model \u2013 and of the resources needed for it. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

02\/06\/2022, taz
\nFree track for combustion engines<\/strong>
\nAccording to a study, the car lobby has influenced a trade agreement between the EU and South America. She wants to continue selling incinerators there. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

01.06.2022, Tagesspiegel (paywall)
\nSpain's solar debacle is working<\/strong>
\nWhen the reform of the Energy Charter Treaty is voted on in three weeks' time, Spanish government officials are expected to pay particular attention to what is happening. No other EU country has been sued so often on the basis of this treaty. But renewable investors are also taking action against Germany. (Read more)<\/p>\n

23.05.2022, Business & Human Rights Resource Center
\nBillions paid out to coal companies show how investment rules are obstructing the green transition<\/strong>
\nThe transition away from fossil fuels is urgent. But existing investment agreements mean this transition will be pricey and difficult, as illustrated by German coal companies using the Energy Charter Treaty to get rich on taxpayer money. (Continue<\/a>)<\/p>\n

23.05.2022, Climate reporter
\nHas the reform of the Energy Charter failed?<\/strong>
\nWithout tangible progress, the latest round of negotiations on the Energy Charter Treaty seems to have come to an end in Brussels. Environmentalists are now talking about a final failure of the desired reform. The co-negotiating EU has so far been covered. (Read more)<\/p>\n

19.05.2022, Friday
\nEnergy Charter Treaty: Three business lawyers determine global climate policy<\/strong>
\nWill Germany finally withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty? It protects corporations from democratic climate policy. It will be decided in June. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04\/05\/2022, taz
\nThe \u2018fossil dino\u2019 is to be removed<\/strong>
\nThe Energy Charter Treaty aims to provide investment protection for businesses. They see it as a means of corporate action against climate change. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.04.2022, Green phase \u2013 the sustainability podcast of ARD
\nE-car sharing vs. public transport How do you get to your destination more sustainably and faster?<\/strong>
\nIn the pulse podcast, Merle Groneweg (PowerShift) explains whether electric cars are really the solution for sustainable mobility and why the production of batteries for electric cars is still a major problem at the moment. (listen)<\/p>\n

15.04.2022, Frankfurter Allgemeine
\nHigh recycling rate: Where Gold Comes From in Germany<\/strong>
\nWith the change in the fashion industry, something has also happened in the gold sector: The gold produced in Germany comes almost 100 percent from recycling. At least that's what the Association of Precious Metals says. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

14.04.2022, Future Moves - New Mobility Podcast
\nFUTURE MOVES #13 \u2013 Merle Groneweg, Project Lead Sustainability at Power Shift<\/strong>
\nMerle Groneweg, Project Lead Sustainability at the NGO Power Shift deals with raw materials. In the podcast, she explains which metals are involved in environmental and human rights conflicts \u2013 but also how the car industry can use its purchasing power to advocate for a fairer global economy. (Listen to<\/a>)<\/p>\n

24.03.2022, Deutschlandfunk
\nToo much coal for the coal phase-out? Interview with Fabian Flues, Powershift<\/strong>
\nAs part of the lignite phase-out, the two lignite companies RWE and LEAG will receive compensation payments of EUR 4.35 billion. Together with two other NGOs, PowerShift has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection at the Administrative Court in Berlin. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

03.03.2022, Europe Table
\nImports of raw materials: Industry fears rising prices<\/strong>
\nA part of European industry relies on Russian raw materials. Lieferungen k\u00f6nnten k\u00fcnftig sp\u00e4rlicher ausfallen oder sogar ganz gestoppt werden, Preisanstiege w\u00e4ren unvermeidlich. Where problems threaten. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

02.02.2022, Climate reporter
\nReform of the Energy Charter is not progressing: Fossil investors to be protected at state cost<\/strong>
\nThe fossil industry is the most suing internationally, thanks in particular to the Energy Charter, according to a new report by the think tank IISD. Despite all the reform debates, the Charter will continue to hold its protective hand over fossil investments for years to come and will also further increase the cost of Germany's coal phase-out. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

01.02.2022, nd
\nContinued protection of investments in fossil fuels<\/strong>
\nOn the basis of the Energy Charter, the Nord Stream 2 company sued the EU in an arbitration court in September 2019. Reason: Gas suppliers on EU territory and thus also in Germany are required to produce, transport and distribute in legally separate, \"unbundled\" companies. Under certain circumstances, Nord Stream 2 would have to involve third parties in the business. The supplier considers this to be a violation of the Energy Charter.(Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

30\/01\/2022, Taz
\nCircular economy and climate crisis: The potential of the garbage dump<\/strong>
\nGetting our garbage problem under control would also be good for the climate. It is not just waste management that has to change. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

26.01.2022, Salzburger Nachrichten
\nInvestment protection inhibits phase-out of fossil energy<\/strong>
\nInternational agreements on investment protection could slow down or make the phase-out of fossil fuels much more expensive. This applies in particular to the Energy Charter Agreement (ECT), criticized attac and the German environmental organization PowerShift on Wednesday in a press conference. These agreements guarantee companies damages if their investments suffer losses as a result of legislative changes \u2013 or even if only expected profits are not made ().Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.01.2022, Energy future
\nHot iron \u2013 mining drives climate crisis<\/strong>
\nIron, copper, aluminium \u2013 the economy\u2019s hunger for raw materials is unbroken. But mining and ore processing use a lot of energy. The climate crisis is forcing a turnaround in raw materials. We need to use valuable resources for a long time and keep them circulating.(Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

12.2021, Forum Umwelt & Development \u2013 Circular 3\/2021
\nECJ versus Energy Charter Treaty<\/strong>
\nOn 2 September, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) declared that arbitration proceedings under the Energy Charter Treaty between investors from the EU and EU Member States violate European law and are therefore illegal. However, while the judges of the CJEU did not cast any doubt on their point of view, the effects of the judgment on current and future arbitration proceedings are difficult to foresee.<\/p>\n

20.12.2021, Energy future
\n\u2018Individual mobility consumes large quantities of raw materials\u2019<\/strong>
\nMetals and minerals are needed for electric cars, wind power and solar systems. However, the hunger for raw materials of industrial societies has been growing for half a century. In the conversation, Michael Reckordt stretches the big arc for a turnaround in raw materials. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

14.12.2021, World views
\nBeijing is also weak.<\/strong>
\nChina's communist government is dealing with maladministration in global supply chains. However, it has not yet introduced binding standards for companies and foreign investors. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

10.12.2021, young world
\nChina is no longer an excuse.<\/strong>
\nBeijing pays no less attention to standards in international supply chains than Western countries. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

6.12.2021, Deutschlandfunk
\nHow the Coal Compromise Was Increased Without Need<\/strong>
\nBy 2038, Germany wants to phase out coal burning, for which companies will receive 4.35 billion euros in compensation. This is contractually stipulated. This is not good for the new government and the climate. (Listen to<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.11.2021, taz
\nMore mining, less waste<\/strong>
\nThe Traffic Lights Coalition is committed to a circular economy with specific requirements. Conflicts between the extraction of raw materials and nature conservation remain. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

16.11.2021, ak analysis & criticism
\nValues are not at stake here<\/strong>
\nThe China-EU Investment Agreement continues the rules of global trade \u2013 labour rights are not included. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

02.11.2021, Change my Climate
\n#7 Techniques<\/strong>
\nIn this episode of the podcast on the project \u201cSustainable Goals. \"Sustainable Cities\" by Soned e.V. is about smartphones and the metallic raw materials needed for production. In the interview, Michael Reckordt (PowerShift) explains how and where metallic raw materials are mined, how the ecological costs are externalized so far and how the global trade of these raw materials works. (Listen to<\/a>)<\/p>\n

15.10.2021, wide angle
\nThe raw material crisis will not be driven away by an electric car<\/strong>
\nWhen talking about electromobility, the criticism of it is usually not left out. But whether combustion engines or electric cars, both need raw materials that are mined at the expense of people and the environment. One way out of this can only be a climate- and raw material-friendly mobility transition. (Read more)<\/p>\n

08.10.2021, Tagesspiegel Background
\nThe forgotten raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe new EU battery regulation should set wide-ranging standards. But it could be outdated by the time it enters into force, environmental and human rights organizations warn. One point of criticism: The new due diligence requirements do not yet apply to the \u2018trend raw materials\u2019 copper, bauxite, iron and manganese. (Read more)<\/p>\n

30.09.2021, Tagesspiegel Background
\nEnergy Charter is a Dispute for New Coalition<\/strong>
\nThe safeguard clauses of the International Energy Charter Treaty are regarded as an obstacle to the phase-out of fossil fuels. If the Greens come under governmental responsibility, they want to lead Germany out of the treaty. For the potential coalition partner FDP, this would be a problem. (Read more)<\/p>\n

13.09.2021, nd
\nSolidarity through the East<\/strong>
\nActivists campaigned for an open society when cycling through Brandenburg. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

03.09.2021, Deutschlandfunk
\nECJ judgment: RWE lawsuit against Dutch coal phase-out gone?<\/strong>
\nRWE has sued the Netherlands in an international arbitration court in the USA over the planned coal phase-out there. It is based on the Energy Charter Treaty of 1991. In an interview, Fabian Flues (PowerShift e.V.) talks about the problems of the agreement and explains why non-governmental organizations and environmental associations are calling for a withdrawal from the treaty. (Read more)<\/p>\n

09\/03\/2021, S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung
\nSo big is the ecological footprint of German cars<\/strong>
\nGerman cars are getting bigger and heavier, but this is also increasing the demand for raw materials from all over the world. A study examines their origins \u2013 and calls for a radical change of course. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

05.08.2021, RiffReporter
\nMining of raw materials: The sore point of the energy transition<\/strong>
\nFair raw materials for the energy transition: What needs to change so that the mining of minerals does not harm people and nature. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

06.07.2021, Climate reporter
\nEU threatens to capitulate to Energy Charter<\/strong>
\nAs of today, more than 50 countries are negotiating a modernisation of the controversial Energy Charter Treaty in Brussels. The climate and environmental movement is calling for the legal fossil to be buried \u2013 the EU seems more willing to capitulate. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

16.06.2021, Jacobin Magazine
\n A supply chain law does not yet make fair trade in raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe recently adopted Supply Chain Act is intended to hold companies accountable for serious human rights violations. But it is precisely in the brutal raw materials sector that the pro-business law will have little effect. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

15.06.2021, Deutschlandfunk
\nAll good in the EU-Canada free trade agreement CETA?<\/strong>
\nIn this interview, Alessa Hartmann (PowerShift e.V.) talks about the lack of transparency, climate protection and human rights standards. (Read more)<\/p>\n

02\/06\/2021, nd
\nNo more deals for German companies<\/strong>
\nOne million people and an alliance of 50 non-governmental organizations are calling for the termination of the Energy Charter Treaty. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.05.2021, Freies Radio Stuttgart
\nEU-Mercosur Agreement<\/strong>
\nIn the programme of the Inforedaktion im Freien Radio f\u00fcr Stuttgart, trade experts Regine Kretschmer and Bettina M\u00fcller as well as a Greenpeace campaigner will have their say. (Read more)<\/p>\n

17.05.2021, taz
\nGovernment money only for fair companies<\/strong>
\nThe foreign trade promotion must be in the supply chain law, say development organizations. This is the only way to strengthen human rights. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

05\/2021, The newspaper Paraguay
\nEU-Mercosur deal bad for Paraguay?<\/strong>
\nThe EU-Mercosur trade agreement is controversial. In this interview, Bettina M\u00fcller (PowerShift e.V.) sheds light on the effects and possible dangers. (Read more)<\/p>\n

06\/05\/2021, left-hand traffic
\nRaw materials policy is everyone's concern<\/strong>
\nFor a long time, commodity policy was a niche topic. But awareness campaigns about the smartphone or the debate about electromobility sharpen the eye. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

03\/05\/2021, Enviro News Nigeria
\nGermany responsible for mining related displacements in Guinea<\/strong>
\nA team of campaigners has said that Germany should be held responsible for large scale loss of livelihood and displacement of farmers in Guinea. According to them, besides being a buyer of bauxite, Germany is also a financier by providing a $293 million loan guarantee for the expansion of the Sangaredi open-pit bauxite mine in the West African nation. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

25.04.2021, Spectrum
\nThe high price of aluminum<\/strong>
\nAluminium is one of the most important industrial metals. The largest reserves are in West Africa. There, the environment and the population pay an enormous price for the supply of raw materials to the industrialized countries. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04.2021, Verso Books
\nBeyond the Ruins - The Fight Against Environmental Breakdown<\/strong>
\nWe are hurtling towards total climate breakdown. Extractive capitalism has wreaked havoc on our planet, and countries in the global south pay the heaviest price for a crisis they contribute to the least. But we are far from powerless in the face of this catastrophe. How can the left build a more sustainable future, and win back a world fit for life? This collection brings together key thinkers, activists, researchers and writers who are leading the conversation on the urgent, global response that is required.
\nContributors include Adrienne Buller, Pia Eberhardt, Fabian Flues, Dalia Gebrial, Antonia Jennings, Harpreet Kaur, Laurie Laybourn-Langton, Mathew Lawrence, Cecilia Olivet, Julia Steinberger and Ol\u00faf\u00e9mi T\u00e1\u00edw\u00f2. (free download<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04.2021, Career Leader - Engineers
\nSaving raw materials: \"Driver of change\"<\/strong>
\nGermany is the export world champion. But: In order to be able to export a lot, German companies also import an enormous amount of raw materials for production. We are one of the world's largest consumers of metallic raw materials. Not only do we import the metals, but we also consume the land and water on site and emit CO2. Mining destroys enormously large areas and thus very often leads to land conflicts, environmental pollution, human rights violations, for example through child labour, non-compliance with international labour laws, repression or the criminalization of environmentalists. At the same time, we are a true disposable company, especially in the electronics sector. As a result, enormous quantities of raw materials are lost or no longer used. In electronic devices such as mobile phones or laptops alone, up to 50 or 60 different metallic raw materials are processed. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

26.03.2021, Jacobin
\nThe EU-Mercosur deal cannot be saved<\/strong>
\nThe free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries is controversial. Even within the EU. An additional document on climate targets is intended to appease the criticism. But that doesn't change the neocolonial structure of the deal either. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

16.03.2021, analysis & criticism
\nGold mine for RWE & Co<\/strong>
\nWith the Energy Charter, corporations can earn billions more in fossil raw materials despite the climate crisis. The energy group RWE is demanding a total of 1.4 billion euros from the Netherlands as \"compensation\" for the coal phase-out decided by 2030. RWE operates two coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands, which will no longer be allowed to power coal from 2025 and 2030, respectively. One of these power plants was only put into operation in 2015, the year of the Paris Climate Agreement. Now a company spokesman claims that at that time it was not foreseeable that coal-fired power generation could not continue for several decades. In addition to RWE, the German energy group Uniper, which commissioned a coal-fired power plant in 2016, also threatens to sue the Netherlands. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

16.03.2021, taz
\nCriticism of Mercosur agreements: Cars against beef<\/strong>
\nResistance to the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay is growing. An alliance of 450 European and South American organizations called on Monday in a statement to stop the agreement. The EU and South America agreed on the treaty as early as 2019. This is to eliminate four billion euros of tariffs annually and thus increase the import of meat and soybeans into the EU as well as the export of cars to South America. With dramatic consequences for human rights and the environment. (Read more)<\/a><\/p>\n

10.03.2021 Radio Dreyeckland
\nSupply Chain Act in Germany: \u201cImplement an effective supply chain law now\u201d<\/strong>
\nOn 03.03.2021, the Federal Cabinet adopted a draft of the Supply Chain Act. Germany depends on supplies in the field of metallic-mineral raw materials, because the automotive and electronics industry is based on materials such as lithium, copper, cobalt and rare earths. Mining is still a very dirty business on several levels. There is a massive lack of transparency in many areas. Hannah Pilgrim on the legal side of metallic-mineral supply chains and an assessment of the approved draft. (listening<\/a>)<\/p>\n

05.03.2021, mdr Podcast
\nOur electrical appliances are real gold mines<\/strong>
\nYear after year, the world's mountain of e-waste grows by more than 50 million tons. This garbage holds many valuable resources, precious metals and rare earths that can be a real gold mine \u2013 if we were to recycle them better, including interview with Michael Reckordt. (listen)<\/p>\n

04.03.2021, Radio Dreyeckland
\nImplement an effective supply chain law now<\/strong>
\nThe Supply Chain Act is available to the Bundestag and was adopted by the parliamentary groups on 03.03.2021. In conversation with Hannah Pilgrim, we arrange the developments on the legal side of supply chains. (Read more)<\/a><\/p>\n

04.03.2021, Ende Gel\u00e4nde news
\nWhat does South American lithium have to do with the energy transition?<\/strong>
\nElectromobility is to become one of the central pillars of the German energy transition, although the mining of lithium is destroying the livelihoods of indigenous communities in South America. Instead of facing up to their global responsibility, German industrial companies are diligently securing mining rights. This exploitation of raw materials does not lead to long-term social prosperity, nor is it environmentally friendly. (Read more)<\/a><\/p>\n

03.03.2021, New Germany
\nNo trace of prevention<\/strong>
\nOn Wednesday, the German government passed a draft supply chain law. The aim is to force companies to fulfil their responsibility to uphold human rights. The draft law is problematic because it will not prevent many violations, especially in the area of metallic raw materials. The protection of the environment and human rights cannot be achieved in this way. (Read more)<\/a><\/p>\n

02.03.2021, New Germany
\nLeft fails in Karlsruhe<\/strong>
\nFederal Constitutional Court rejects lawsuit against EU free trade agreements with Canada. Specifically, the complaint concerned the Bundestag's right to participate in the entry into force of the agreement. Ceta has been in force in parts since 2017, but only in areas of undisputed EU competence. The left-wing group had accused the Bundestag of having decided only a statement on Ceta, and no law. The judges in Karlsruhe rejected the lawsuit on Tuesday as inadmissible. (Read more)<\/a><\/p>\n

23.02.2021, open Democracy
\nThis obscure energy treaty is the greatest threat to the planet you've never heard of<\/strong>
\nThe Energy Charter Treaty allows fossil fuel companies to sue governments for taking action on climate change. It must be stopped before it\u2019s too late. On 4 February the German energy giant RWE announced it was suing the government of the Netherlands. The crime? Proposing to phase out coal from the country\u2019s electricity mix. The company, which is Europe\u2019s biggest emitter of carbon, is demanding \u20ac1.4bn in \u2018compensation\u2019 from the country for loss of potential earnings, because the Dutch government has banned the burning of coal for electricity from 2030. (Continue reading, English only<\/a>)<\/p>\n

10.02.2021, Clean Energy Wire
\nEnergy transition\u2019s resource needs difficult to reconcile with clean supply chain ambitions<\/strong>
\nThe appetite for metals and minerals that sustain the mass rollout of renewables, e-cars and storage units raises questions whether greening one country\u2019s economy comes with social and environmental damage in others. The conflict between clean energy production and a clean supply chain Germany is faced with showcases what other countries set to ramp up their renewable power capacity will have to eventually deal with too. (Read more)<\/p>\n

04.02.2021, Handelsblatt
\nRWE sues Netherlands over coal phase-out for billions in compensation<\/strong>
\nRWE is demanding billions in compensation from the Netherlands for the coal phase-out initiated there. The energy company has now filed a suit with the International Arbitration Court of the World Bank, as the arbitral tribunal announced on its website. RWE confirmed the complaint on request. The Group emphasized its explicit support for the energy transition in the Netherlands. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04.02.2021, taz
\nRWE sues the Netherlands<\/strong>
\nThe German energy company RWE is suing the Netherlands over the coal phase-out. In 2019, the Dutch government decided to end coal-fired power generation by 2030. RWE operates two coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands, one in Geertruidenberg and one in Eemshaven. They will no longer be allowed to burn coal from 2025 or 2030. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

18.01.2021, New Germany
\nIt's important, but please don't go too fast.<\/strong>
\nIn Germany, the implementation of an effective supply chain law is awaited. It would be urgent. The human rights and environmental organisations, trade unions and church authorities, which are united under the \"Supply Chain Act Initiative\", have long called for a binding legal framework. The coalition agreement also provides for the introduction of a corresponding law if voluntary measures by companies are not sufficient. That is obviously the case. Discussion and adoption in the cabinet are repeatedly postponed, and there was always a certain discrepancy between Merkel's statements in public and actions behind closed doors. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

09.12.2020, Handelsblatt
\nThe Controversial Supply Chain Act<\/strong>
\n Companies should be held liable for human rights violations, according to the coalition. But there is a dispute over the details. The government is now making a final attempt to reach an agreement. <\/span>Human rights organizations are also increasing pressure. The Supply Chain Act initiative, which brings together NGOs such as Oxfam, Powershift and Misereor, published a report on Wednesday documenting human rights violations in the foreign business of German companies. Bank ING Diba has therefore financed the expansion of a bauxite mine in Guinea with a million-dollar loan, in which people were forcibly relocated. ... But Minister of Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier (CDU) is turning a blind eye. He fears additional bureaucracy burdens for companies that are already suffering from the corona crisis. A central point of contention is the issue of liability. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

09.12.2020, Deutsche Welle
\nGuin\u00e9e : the entreprises alleandes \u00e9pingl\u00e9es<\/strong>
\nEn Guin\u00e9e, la banque allesande ING DiBa est accus\u00e9e d\u2019avoir fait un pr\u00eat d\u2019un million d\u2019euros \u00e0 la Compagnie de bauxite de Guin\u00e9e, pour financer l\u2019expansion d\u2019une mine qui aurait provoqu\u00e9 des r\u00e9installations forc\u00e9es de population et la pollution des eaux locales. ... Qu\u2019il s\u2019agisse de bananes en Equateur, de ciment en Indon\u00e9sie ou de bauxite en Guin\u00e9e, il n\u2019est plus acceptable, selon l\u2019ONG Fian, que des entreprises alleandes acceptent que leurs profits nuisent \u00e0 la population et \u00e0 l\u2019environnement. \u2018Nous demandons au Gouvernement allesand l\u2019adoption d\u2019une loi qui obligerait les banques \u00e0 examiner si les cr\u00e9dits qu\u2019elles veulent accorder \u00e0 certains projets ne risquent par de violer les droits de l\u2019homme et provoquer la pollution et la d\u00e9gradation du climat dans les pays b\u00e9n\u00e9ficiaires. Et si c\u2019est le cas, elles ne doivent pas accorder ces cr\u00e9dits\u2019, pr\u00e9conise Gertrud Falk. ... \u201cInitiative Supply Chain Law\u201d est une association de 118 organisations de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 civile, dont Oxfam Allemagne, FIAN, PowerShift et Misereor, ainsi que de nombreuses autres organisations de d\u00e9fense des droits de l\u2019homme, de d\u00e9veloppement et de l\u2019environnement, des syndicats et des acteurs religieux. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04\/12\/2020, Watson
\n\u201cNeed a raw material transition\u201d: Study reveals serious gaps in VW, BMW and Daimler supply chains - how companies react<\/strong>
\nIt requires a lot of energy, emits a lot of emissions, takes up a lot of space: This auto<\/a> is a relatively polluting means of transport \u2013 this has been discussed extensively in recent years. What was often forgotten: The production of the body, equipment and engine also requires resources, and these are often mined under ecologically and socially poor conditions in mines at the other end of the world. The development policy Inkota network and Powershift, an association for an ecological and solidarity-based energy and global economy, wanted to know that. Both have scrutinised the sustainability reports of Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler, as well as the raw material initiatives to which the Groups have subscribed. The conclusion: The awareness of the problem is present, the implementation is inadequate. Only \u201csluggishly and selectively do companies translate their responsibilities into individual concrete measures\u201d<\/strong>, According to the publication<\/a>. Moreover, its effectiveness remains questionable. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

28.11.2020, The mirror
\nCar companies need to catch up<\/strong>
\nBWM, Daimler and Volkswagen apparently do not sufficiently comply with their due diligence obligations to safeguard human rights, social and environmental standards when procuring raw materials. This is the result of an analysis of the organizations PowerShift and Inkota. No group has a detailed due diligence report that makes all risks transparent. Nor is there enough concrete documentation of the measures taken by the companies to remedy the situation and how effective they are. (Der Spiegel, No. 49, 28.11.2020)<\/p>\n

19.11.2020, Jacobin
\nThe Mercosur agreement pushes Latin America into dependence<\/strong>
\nMonocultures, empty factories, unemployment \u2013 the expected consequences of the EU-Mercosur agreement are devastating for South American countries. Nevertheless, the EU remains committed to the agreement. European industry is benefiting from the deal. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

06.11.2020, Telepolis
\nOil in the fire of climate protectors<\/strong>
\nMore than 250 parliamentarians from the European Parliament and parliaments of the EU member states have spoken out against a recast of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) of the Union. With the planned - but hardly publicly discussed - revision of the agreement from the nineties of the last century, companies and investors in the fossil energy industry would be massively favoured by the signatories. \"To defuse the Climate Killer Energy Charter Treaty, it would need to be fundamentally reformed,\" said Fabian Flues of PowerShift. However, the chances of such a reform are extremely poor. \"Germany and the EU should therefore take steps to withdraw from the Treaty rather than engage in endless negotiations,\" Flues said. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

29.10.2020, evangelisch.de
\nNew criticism of the EU-Mercusor trade pact<\/strong>
\nCivil society organisations have renewed their criticism of the planned EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The pact is in blatant contradiction to the EU's own goals such as climate neutrality by 2050 and a more sustainable food system, according to a paper published on Thursday by PowerShift in Berlin, in which the German Federal Government for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), Attac Germany and others are also involved. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

28.10.2020, S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung
\nCriticism of the Mercosur Treaty<\/strong>
\nEnvironmental organizations and anti-globalization groups have reiterated their criticism of the controversial Mercosur trade treaty. The EU Commission is trying to conclude additional agreements on climate protection with the four South American Mercosur states in order to counter accusations that the agreement harms the environment and climate. But Bettina M\u00fcller, trade adviser to Powershift's globalization critics, said on Wednesday that such agreements would not change the negative effects of the treaty. (To the article<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

28.10.2020, OE24
\nCritics of Mercosur: Planned additional documents do not improve agreements
\n<\/strong>In the planned EU-Mercosur agreement, the EU Commission has been working on additional protocols since mid-October. This is intended to reshuffle countries with a negative attitude, such as Austria or France, say representatives of organisations critical of globalisation and agreements, such as Attac Austria and PowerShift Germany. However, it is not known which additional documents will be negotiated. \u201cThis is as non-transparent as the whole agreement\u201d, criticises Bettina M\u00fcller of PowerShift. In any case, environmental and climate protection are not central elements in the agreement. However, additional protocols would not make the agreement more sustainable and would counteract deforestation and environmental degradation. If there are violations on these issues, unlike the human rights clause, no suspension of the agreement would be possible, criticise the opponents of the agreement. (OE24, 28.10.2020)<\/p>\n

20.10.2020, Stadtanzeiger
\nControversial free trade agreement CETA: Not yet decided<\/strong>
\nAlessa Hartmann, Handelsexpertin bei der Nichtregierungsorganisation PowerShift, kritisiert: “Die Konzernklagerechte f\u00fchren dazu, dass es sich Regierungen zweimal \u00fcberlegen, wirksame Klimagesetze zu erlassen \u2013 aus Angst vor teuren Schadenersatzklagen von Konzernen. Klimaschutz muss ins Zentrum aller politischen Bem\u00fchungen gestellt werden. Dazu geh\u00f6rt auch, Konzernklagerechte zu stoppen und keine neuen Handelsabkommen wie CETA zu unterzeichnen, die den Handel mit fossilen Energietr\u00e4gern ausdr\u00fccklich f\u00f6rdern.” (Weiterlesen)<\/p>\n

13.10.2020, Le Monde Diplomatique Special edition on \"Mobility and its future\"
\nKilograms of lithium<\/strong>
\nWhat are the consequences of the mining of lithium \u2013 which will be installed in high quantities in the batteries for electric cars in the future \u2013 in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile? Among other things, the special issue takes a look at forecasts, prices and energy geopolitics around the white metal. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

III\/2020, Newsletter Forum Environment and Development
\nAn experience of the possible: The coronavirus crisis and the transport transition<\/strong>
\nIn times of crisis, there is always talk of winners and losers \u2013 and opportunities. Hope and despair are close together. One Freud's suffering is another Freud's suffering. This also applies to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual mobility behaviour and on the overall transport policy. (Read more<\/a>).<\/p>\n

30.09.2020, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nBauxite mining in Guinea: <\/span>Villages must give way to mines<\/strong>
\nWithout aluminum, nothing works in the automotive industry. Bauxite is the raw material from which aluminium is obtained. And West African Guinea has about a third of the world's reserves. Western countries want to secure supplies. The World Bank therefore granted the semi-state Guinean mining company CBG a loan of EUR 722 million in 2016 for the expansion of a bauxite mine. Several international financial institutions are involved in the loan, including ING. And by means of a credit guarantee of 250 million euros also the Federal Government. In the eyes of the NGO Fian and Powershift, an association that advocates a more socially just global economy, the German government is helping to violate human rights and destroy the environment. By expanding the mine, 13 villages in the Boke region see their livelihoods threatened, the two organizations report. (To the article<\/a>)<\/p>\n

30.09.2020, Evangelisch.de
\nHuman rights activists criticize credit guarantees for bauxite mine in Guinea<\/strong>
\nHuman rights organisations have called on the federal government to ensure that state credit guarantees respect human rights. Fian and the association \u2018PowerShift\u2019 (Berlin) criticised German loan guarantees amounting to around EUR 250 million for the expansion of a bauxite mine in Guinea. PowerShift and Fian Deutschland announced a petition to Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) under the motto \u2018StopptUnFaireKredite\u2019, which is scheduled to start on Thursday. In it, they appeal to the Federal Government to align foreign trade promotion with human rights criteria. (To the article<\/a>)<\/p>\n

23.09.2020, Deutsche Welle
\nWill critics of German Gigafactory slow down Elon Musk?
\n<\/strong>The complaints brought forward at the hearing also went to show that some critics \u2014 while welcoming the current campaign in Germany and beyond to switch to renewables and greener ways of transportation \u2014 question the philosophy of \u2018clogging up the roads with even more cars, be they environmentally friendly or not,\u2019 as Sophie Scherger from the Berlin-based PowerShift research team told DW. \u201cThe thing about Tesla is that we actually want fewer cars on the roads (...), and we definitely don\u2019t want to see any mass production of big electric SUVs that consume a lot of material, while mining causes considerable damage to the environment,\u201d Scherger suggested. (To the article<\/a>)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

22.09.2020, quellenwende.net
\nGlobal access \u2013 How trade policy should ensure access to raw materials<\/strong>
\nThe crisis-proof supply of raw materials to the European economy has been a priority of the European Commission for many years. Environmental protection and human rights play little role in this. Neither the massacre of striking miners in Marikana, South Africa, the manifold social protests in Peru, the social and ecological catastrophe following the bursting of a retention basin in an iron ore mine in Brumadinho, Brazil, nor the environmental catastrophe of Baia Mare in Romania have led to a rethink. (to the article)<\/p>\n

20\/08\/2020, S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung
\nMercosur Free Trade Agreement<\/span>: <\/span><\/strong>Poisoned mood<\/strong>
\nOn Thursday, an alliance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will present a protest note denouncing the trade in pesticides. Groups such as Powershift, Forum Umwelt und Entwicklung, Attac Deutschland, Campact and others are involved. They fear, among other things, that through closer trade even more highly toxic pesticides could be exported to the Mercosur countries than is already the case. \u201cMany pesticides are not authorised in the EU for good reason. They are suspected of causing cancer, harming unborn babies and organs\u201d, she says. Facilitating the export of these highly dangerous pesticides through a trade agreement is contrary to all European values. (To the article<\/a>).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

20.08.2020, taz
\nMercosur contract promotes exports of pesticides<\/strong>
\nEU could even more easily sell dangerous chemicals to South America, activists warn<\/span>. “Facilitating the export of these highly hazardous pesticides through a trade agreement is contrary to all European values,\" said Bettina M\u00fcller, Trade Officer at PowerShift.<\/span> European consumers are also affected, according to PowerShift. \"The EU-Mercosur agreement envisages further dismantling of food controls,\" the activists said. Therefore, residues of dangerous pesticides could end up on the plates of European consumers. \"The Federal Government may not ratify the EU-Mercosur Agreement for this reason as well,\" M\u00fcller demanded.<\/span> (To the article<\/a>)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

04.08.2020, Tagesspiegel Background Energy and climate
\nCourt dismisses Germany in energy dispute
\n<\/strong>The Federal Government has no luck before the International Court of Arbitration ICSID. Once again, he rejected an objection from Germany. After Vattenfall, the construction group Strabag now achieves a stage success against the federal government in the dispute over an energy project. It is uncertain whether the EU will succeed in modernising the Energy Charter Treaty. Fabian Flues<\/b> by the Non-Governmental Organization Critical of Globalization Powershift<\/b>, who follows the development, says: \u201cThe situation is complicated. EU law is against international investment law.\u201d Flues does not expect an early clarification. \u201cIt is likely that lengthy back and forth<\/b>\u201d This is also likely to be the subject of vehement criticism from the European Parliament<\/b> Don't change anything. At the beginning of July, a group of deputies, including Michael Bloss<\/b> The Greens and the French Pascal Canfin<\/b>, Chair of the Environment Committee, warned that the Energy Charter Treaty threatens the EU's climate objectives: \u2018The Threats of a Complaint<\/b> can be enough to push states not to take ambitious measures to implement their climate commitments\u201d. (Read more \u2013 Subscription only)<\/p>\n

22.07.2020, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nFully comprehensive for fossils
\n<\/strong>When politics gets out of oil and coal, corporations can often sue for huge sums. This is how it regulates a treaty \u2013 from which the EU should exit quickly. The fight against the climate crisis threatens to be slowed down and made more expensive by a barely known international agreement. The Energy Charter Treaty allows fossil fuel companies to sue states for billions of euros in damages if they enact regulations to combat climate change. (Read more)<\/p>\n

23.06.2020, The Friday
\nKeep it up?<\/strong>
\nActually, the German EU Presidency would be predestined to draw lessons from Corona and establish a climate-friendly trade policy \u2013 in fact. The interventions in the world trading system currently under consideration to combat coronavirus are also important for combating climate change. They must not remain short-term and unique, but must be permanently included in the world trade order in order to mitigate the impending climate crisis. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

18.06.2020, Jacobin
\nCompanies could soon sue states for coronavirus protection - for \"damage compensation\"<\/strong>
\nSoon, investors will be able to sue states in arbitral tribunals over coronavirus measures. For example, because they have softened the patent protection for drugs. We have to decide: Democracy or neoliberal trade agreements. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

10.06.2020, WDR5
\nAluminium \u2013 a metal with pitfalls
\n<\/strong>Aluminium cans, aluminium rims, aluminium windows. Aluminium is a product that we all live well from \u2013 in the kitchen, in construction, or in the car. But less and less aluminium is being produced in Germany. Too expensive, too energy-intensive, too polluting. The mining of the bauxite needed for aluminium leads to environmental destruction and displacement in Guinea. The dismantling of the Bauxit is also financed with a loan guarantee from the Federal Government, reports Michael Reckordt in the WDR5 broadcast \u2018Neugierig suffices\u2019. (To the feature<\/a> (see consignment of 10 June 2020). To download. More information in the factsheet Expropriation for German cars<\/a>)<\/p>\n

06.06.2020, Radio W\u00fcste Welle
\nISDS \u2013 whose justice?<\/strong>
\nIn the BigFatMealSession on 26.5. we interviewed Bettina M\u00fcller from PowerShift on the Investor-State Arbitration (ISDS), an instrument of the free trade system designed to help corporations enforce their claims against states \u2013 quite explosive in the current pandemic. (To the contribution<\/a>)<\/p>\n

04\/06\/2020, D+C
\nCorporations sue against state climate protection
\n<\/strong>On the basis of the Energy Charter Treaty, corporations sue states for compensation if they stop or restrict the use of fossil fuels. Civil society organisations have called on the members of the Treaty to reform, calling, among other things, for an end to the protection of investment in fossil fuels. According to the association PowerShift, however, climate protection hardly plays a role in the modernization considerations so far. (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

20.05.2020, euractiv
\nEU trade policy: No hope of a change of course<\/strong>
\nAt the end of April, the European Commission announced the conclusion of negotiations for a trade agreement with #<\/span>Mexico<\/span><\/span><\/a>. But the agreement does not stand for sustainable trade, but for a cementing of the status quo, write Nelly Grotefendt from the Forum Environment and Development and Bettina M\u00fcller from PowerShift e.V. \u2013 and call on the governments of the EU member states and the EU Parliament to stop the agreement.\u00a0 (Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

30.04.2020, Tagesspiegel Background Energy and Climate
\nNew energy charter could make coal phase-out more expensive<\/strong>
\nThe Energy Charter Treaty gives energy companies the opportunity to sue states in comparatively non-transparent arbitral tribunals for huge amounts of compensation. Coal opponents so far hoped that the planned modernization of the contract would exclude this option. But this will not result in the Tagesspiegel Background if the current renewal draft becomes legally binding. Powershift also criticises the fact that the new draft contract maintains the existing investor protection for fossil fuels. In particular, this enables lawsuits such as those threatened by the energy group Uniper in the autumn to the Netherlands, which want to end coal-fired power generation by 2030. That, Flues says, may be just the beginning. \u201cThere is a risk of a wave of lawsuits before arbitral tribunals if governments fail to meet the compensation claims of fossil power plant operators\u201d. (Read more)<\/p>\n

23.04.2020, young world
\nOnly electric drive is not enough<\/strong>
\nTesla factory Gr\u00fcnheide: Environmental and development groups criticize Group plans. The Berlin association PowerShift is one of the initiators of the declaration \u00bbTesla Gigafactory: An electric motor does not yet make a change in traffic\", which was published on the same day. \"Instead of building millions of over-engineered and furiously fast Tesla SUVs and luxury cars, we need a departure from motorized private transport,\" Fuchs said. Fuchs added: \"A pure drive change from the combustion engine to the electric motor is not enough. All cars, whether gasoline, diesel or electric, consume raw materials that are mined under ecologically and socially irresponsible conditions in the countries of the Global South.Read more<\/a>)<\/p>\n

April\/May 2020, Rabe Ralf
\nA Tesla does not yet make a traffic turnaround<\/strong>
\nThere are great doubts whether Tesla or VW and other car manufacturers are really building on the sustainable mobility of the future with their e-offensives. Electric cars have a smaller carbon footprint. With 100 percent renewable energies, they would have a \"climate advantage\" of 50 percent over combustion cars, because CO2 emissions would only be generated during the production of the vehicles. But the traffic and space problems in the cities would remain if the 47 million cars in Germany were replaced only by 47 million electric cars. In Berlin alone, parking cars require an area three times the size of Tempelhofer Feld. And the bodywork, technology and many other parts of e-cars are made of metals, which Germany has to import at 99 per cent, as is the case with combustion engines. The extraction of these raw materials regularly leads to human rights violations and environmental destruction. Read more (as PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n

03.04.2020, Wirtschaftswoche
\nSupply Chain Act: Cut off by Corona<\/strong>
\nFederal Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) wanted to present the cornerstones of a supply chain law in March. But instead, Heil is now in acute corona crisis mode. The plan is expected to become the first regulation to fall victim to the coronavirus. After all, Minister of Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier (CDU) heard a storm of indignation from the associations, especially from industry and employers. And switched to resistance. Michael Reckordt is not surprised. \"But, of course, the associations are now arguing that such a law would put an additional burden on companies in the current crisis,\" says the expert of the organisation PowerShift, which has been dealing with the issue for a long time. It is not a question of every pencil manufacturer having to know where his wood comes from. But you can expect more from a Dax company than from small companies. \"It's about everyone doing their best. Human rights also apply, and especially in times of crisis.\" (Wirtschaftswoche \u2013 issue 15\/2020 \u2013 online link to follow as soon as articles are available)<\/p>\n

29.03.2020, Deutschlandfunk background
\nLithium in the Ore Mountains - Gold digger mood in Saxony
\n<\/strong>German industry is the world's fifth largest importer of metallic raw materials. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Michael Reckordt is instead continuing a turnaround in raw materials: \"We need a consistent recycling of raw materials, less consumption, longer usable products and a <\/span>Supply Chain Act<\/span>\u201c. He also points out that the further processing of metals consumes a lot of energy. Sc<\/span>It is estimated that this will result in about 10% global CO2 emissions. To the background.<\/p>\n

19.03.2020, Business week
\nAre people dying for electric cars in the Congo?<\/strong>
\n\"It is good that the topic of cobalt gets a lot of attention through e-mobility and finally also focuses on the problem of child labour,\" says Michael Reckordt, who works at the NGO PowerShift e.V. on German raw materials policy. \"Mining in developing countries is almost always problematic, far from just cobalt,\" says Reckordt. NGOs such as PowerShift or Amnesty are therefore pushing for comprehensive, far-reaching rules on human rights, which should apply to as many raw materials as possible. To the article.<\/a><\/p>\n

05.03.2020, \"hr Info\"
\nGermany's demand for raw materials and its consequences
\n<\/strong>Germany is an industrial nation and the success factor for industry is raw materials. The raw materials we need to import. In the Bundestag, the supply of raw materials on 5 March was an issue, because every day we use products for which raw materials are needed: Smartphones, e-cars and Co. The mining conditions rarely meet our standards of environmental and human rights protection. Interview with Michael Reckordt.<\/p>\n

18.02.2020, Tagesspiegel Background Energy and climate
\n<\/span>CETA \u2013 Coffin gel for the climate<\/strong>
\n<\/span>MEPs in the Dutch House of Commons recently debated the EU's trade agreement with Canada (CETA). The deal is due to be voted on Tuesday. Ratification would amount to a self-deprivation of politics in the fight against the climate catastrophe, warns Alessa Hartmann of the Berlin-based NGO Powershift The Netherlands could bring down the controversial agreement. Read more.<\/p>\n

11.02.2020, Berliner Morgenpost
\nKarl-Marx-Allee: Remodeling to come in June
\n<\/strong>During a citizens' dialogue, the planned green stripes on Karl-Marx-Allee were discussed. Construction is expected to begin in June. The fact that the green strip on the Magistrale from Alexanderplatz to Friedrichshain is considered to have been identified was also understood by Peter Fuchs of the \u2018Berliner Strasse f\u00fcr Alle\u2019 alliance on Monday evening. In the run-up to the Citizens' Dialogue, the Alliance called for the avoidance of parking spaces. Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

28.01.2020, Bayern 2
\nChallenges in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries<\/strong>
\nThe demand for lithium is increasing, complains Michael Reckordt of PowerShift. The main producing countries of lithium are currently Australia, Chile, Argentina and China. In the future, due to the large lithium deposits, it is expected that Argentina, Bolivia and Chile will be the most important. There, the salt lakes in particular are relevant for the lithium mining of the future. A major problem is the high water consumption of lithium mining and treatment. Groundwater levels are falling, so that the water is no longer available for livestock and your own food supply. The article was published in the \u2018Notebook\u2019 on Bayern2, on 28.01.20 (unfortunately not online).<\/p>\n

17.01.2020, Handelsblatt
\nLithium-ion batteries are a billion-dollar business \u2013 with a downside
\n<\/span><\/strong>\"The electric car, like the combustion engine, consumes a lot of metallic raw materials,\" says Power Shift expert Merle Groneweg. Even if the electric car has the better environmental balance compared to the combustion engine, \u2018that is a fundamental problem\u2019. Groneweg therefore advocates a mobility turnaround. \"To make the transport sector truly greener, we need to reduce the total number of cars,\" she calls for. But the decade of the lithium-ion battery has only just begun, and an end is far from in sight. To the article.<\/a><\/p>\n

10.01.2020, Deutsche Welle
\nGermany's only factory for alumina<\/strong>
\nGermany imports bauxite for aluminium production from Guinea. \u201cPeople have been relocated in the mining areas, water sources are contaminated by the use of chemicals in bauxite extraction, residents are complaining about air pollution.\u201d The World Bank recently granted the country\u2019s largest mining company a loan of $900 million to expand a large bauxite mine. The Federal Republic of Germany guarantees one third of the loan. To the article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

18.12.2019, Handelsblatt
\nElectric car production: \"The extraction of raw materials causes serious pollution\"
\n<\/span><\/strong>At Handelsblatt Live <\/span>Merle Groneweg from the PowerShift association explains the impact of the production of electric cars on people and the environment: <\/strong>Both electric cars and combustion engines consume a lot of raw materials. A car, no matter with which drive, is a tin box. We need a drastic reduction in the number of cars and a strengthening of public transport as well as walking and cycling. To the video<\/a>.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

16.12.2019, SWR2
\nGermany's last factory for alumina<\/strong>
\nMichael Reckordt works as a raw material expert at PowerShift. \u201cThere is a lawsuit in Guinea against the World Bank for relocating to areas where they cannot farm. Water poisoning occurred during bauxite extraction.\u201d The German Federal Government guarantees a third of a loan for the expansion of a mine, which had these negative consequences. (SWR2, 16.12.2019)<\/p>\n

02.12.2019, NDR
\nOpportunities and risks of deep-sea mining<\/strong>
\nThe demand for raw materials for e-mobility is huge. Previous sources of cobalt, lithium, copper or nickel are increasingly proving to be uncertain. Both for the German companies and for the people who often take the precious goods out of the earth under often unworthy conditions. The deep sea is being targeted as a new deposit. Michael Reckordt of PowerShift is not convinced: \u201cWe know less about the deep sea than we do about the moon. This means that we do not yet know what we are actually doing on site.\u201d To the article.<\/p>\n

21.11.2019, New Germany
\nHalf as many cars by 2030<\/strong>
\n\"We are the new car lobby,\" says Peter Fuchs, of the PowerShift association, which is committed to an ecologically and socially just global economy. \"Berliner Strasse f\u00fcr alle\" is the name of the alliance of several environmental associations and transport initiatives, which will present itself to the public with a press conference on Wednesday. To the article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

20.11.2019, taz
\nFewer cars, better traffic<\/strong>
\nMobility activists want to radically reduce the number of private cars in Berlin. The first reaction of the traffic management does not sound averse. Es lack of road space for all users without four wheels and internal combustion engine. For this reason, ADFC, Changing Cities, BUND, VCD and others had invited on Wednesday to present a plan for \u2018Berlin streets for all\u2019. \"We are the new car lobby\", said Peter Fuchs of the PowerShift climate protection initiative, which is also involved, ironically of course. With seven demands, the alliance wants to put the policy under pressure. At the top of the list is a significant decline in private cars. \u201cWe have far too many cars in the city\u201d. To the article.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

20.11.2019, Berliner Morgenpost
\nParking in Berlin: Associations want to reduce 60,000 parking spaces annually<\/strong>
\nAn alliance has set itself the goal of reducing the number of cars. In order to achieve this, the parking spaces should be tightened. The call is part of a list of seven measures presented by the associations and initiatives on Wednesday. How many parking spaces there are currently in Berlin is unclear, said Masurat. The associations estimated that their area, however, adds up to four and a half times the Tempelhof field. \"We want to bring cars and the city and the view of a vibrant Berlin together,\" said Peter Fuchs from the Powershift Energy Transition Association. To the article.<\/a><\/p>\n

15.11.2019, Deutschlandfunk Kultur
\nWhat are the benefits of electric cars for the climate?
\n<\/strong>They are the hope in the fight against climate change: Electric cars. The federal government lures buyers with premiums. Tesla plans to build a plant near Berlin. How environmentally friendly are the battery-powered vehicles? Are electric cars really the clean solution to the climate problem? The batteries consume valuable raw materials such as lithium and cobalt; won partly under inhumane circumstances, environmentalists warn. To the article with audio recording<\/a> (see Play button in the photo)<\/p>\n

06.11.2019, Deutschlandfunk
\nMobility from the socket: Fast lane or dead end<\/strong>
\nThe federal government provides a higher share of the purchase premium for new cars with electric drive, participates in the expansion of charging stations and makes the automotive industry responsible for all this. These are the results of the Auto Summit. But is that enough for the mobility of the future? At Deutschlandfunk we discussed: Merle Groneweg, Power Shift \u2013 Association for a fairer energy and global economy, Matthias D\u00fcrr, Head of the Competence Centre for Electromobility NRW, Axel Friedrich, International Transport Expert, formerly at the Federal Environment Agency, Christian Kunze, Deputy Head of the Drive Technology Research Association at the VDMA. To the article and audio recording<\/a> (See the play button in the photo).<\/p>\n

04.11.2019, taz
\nClimate protection in road transport: E-cars are not the solution<\/strong>
\nReplacing conventional vehicles with e-cars is not the solution to climate and mobility problems, according to activists. \"A 1:1 exchange is sustainably not feasible\", says Michael Reckordt, raw material expert of the non-governmental organisation PowerShift, the taz. Despite all the shortcomings: In case of doubt, Reckordt considers an electric car to be better than a conventional one. \"There are also problems with the extraction of raw materials in conventional cars,\" says Reckordt. Overall, the number of cars must decrease, says Reckordt. Municipalities must fundamentally turn away from the concept of a car-friendly city, which gives priority to cars over pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, public transport must be drastically expanded. To the article.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

21.10.2019, Deutschlandfunk Environment and Consumers
\nUNIPER vs. Netherlands: Companies complain about climate protection
\n<\/strong>The Netherlands wants to get out of coal. The German energy giant UNIPER, on the other hand, wants to bring a group lawsuit before a private arbitration court. Due to lost future profits, the Group is demanding \u2018damage compensation\u2019 of at least three-digit million euros. Our trade expert Bettina M\u00fcller says on Deutschlandfunk: Such corporate lawsuits slow down and increase the cost of political efforts to protect the climate. The investment agreements underlying the group lawsuits must be terminated immediately. Directly to the interview.<\/a><\/p>\n

18.10.2019, euractiv.de
\nNumber of investor lawsuits against states increases
\n<\/strong>Worldwide, 117 states are currently being sued by companies that see their investments in jeopardy. Governments often bow to pressure and weaken, for example, planned laws on climate protection, says the UN. The EU is pushing for a reform of the litigation system. Investors\u2019 right to sue states is \u2018poison for combating climate change\u2019, says Bettina M\u00fcller, trade officer at PowerShift. Among other things, the Berlin-based NGO deals with questions about a fairer global economy and advocates the abolition of exclusive corporate rights.<\/span> To the article.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

04.09.2019, taz.de
\nCoal phase-out in Lusatia: \"Concrete concepts are needed\"
\n<\/strong>“Relocations as a result of the mining of raw materials have a long, sad tradition, around 250 villages have been dredged in Lusatia and Central German territory. Civil society work is primarily about strengthening the backs of people who want to stay: Their concerns are heard and legitimate, even if the state government sees it differently.\u201d Read the full interview<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

04.09.2019, iz3w \u2013 S\u00fcdnordfunk, <\/strong>#64
\nClimate emergency: Trade policy is also climate policy
\n<\/strong>Cars against meat and soya \u2013 this is the unofficial version of the trade agreement between the Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay and the EU Member States. Negotiators seem to have \u2018forgotten\u2019 the protection of the rainforest, indigenous rights and peasant interests. As a result of larger soy fields and cattle herds, indigenous people are also subjected to further persecutions and expulsions. We have with Bettina M\u00fcller<\/i><\/b>, <\/b><\/i>Trade and Investment Policy Officer at PowerShift, <\/b><\/i>and with Nikolaus Geiler <\/i>from \u2018Energy hunger? No thanks!\" to learn more about the economic rationale behind the quasi-finished agreement \u2013 and the risks to people and nature. Listen to the radio post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

25.08.2019, WDR
\nLithium \u2013 the hunt for \u2018white gold\u2019 in Bolivia
\n<\/strong>Trauma for Bolivians: During the mining of their mineral resources, from silver to tin, they always ran out empty. This should change: The valuable lithium, a key raw material for batteries, is now to be processed in Germany \u2013 also with German support. In the study \u2018Less cars, more global justice\u2019, PowerShift, Misereor and Brot advocate for the world to drastically reduce the number of cars and cars driven. Read the transcript of the radio report<\/a>.<\/p>\n

24.07.2019, The Friday, <\/strong>30\/19
\nInvestments against the future
\n<\/strong>With Group lawsuits, international investors are slowing down progressive efforts in the field of energy transition and climate change. They call for \u201cdamage compensation\u201d for a policy aimed at saving the climate and the environment. So far, investors have resisted bans on oil drilling, taxes on fossil fuels and bans on oil pipelines. The special rights of investors make politics hostage to corporations. By threatening lawsuits, the legislator will twice consider whether to issue stricter climate and environmental regulations. Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, warns against \"process terror\" that corporations can use to force states to withdraw regulations. Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

18.06.2019, taz
\n340 NGOs against the Brazil Pact
\n<\/strong>The EU should break the agreement with the South American Mercosur. The reason: The hustle and bustle of extreme right-wing President Bolsonaro. \"The EU must now send President Bolsonaro the unequivocal message that it will refuse to negotiate a trade agreement with Brazil unless there is an end to human rights violations, strict measures to end further deforestation and concrete commitments to implement the Paris Agreement,\" said an open letter from 340 NGOs, which PowerShift also supports. Read more<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

08.06.2019, Tagesschau.de, ARD
\nThe gold that pays for wars
\n<\/strong>The import of raw materials from conflict regions into Germany is to be monitored more closely in the future. This is provided for in a draft law of the Federal Ministry of Economics.\u00a0 Non-governmental organizations such as Germanwatch, Misereor or Powershift criticize the draft as too powerless. Johanna Sydow of Germanwatch, for example, calls him a \u2018paper-maker\u2019: \u201cIf we do not even know who imports the minerals at all, how can we ask how German companies select and verify their foreign suppliers?\u201d Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

05.06.2019, New Germany
\nWhen it comes to environmental policy, Germany is a developing country.
\n<\/strong>Non-governmental organisations call for human rights to be respected when extracting and importing raw materials. Even when it comes to the import of mineral raw materials that are needed for the production of laptops, televisions, smartphones or electric cars, there is criticism of the federal government. Michael Reckordt is coordinator of the working group on raw materials and employee of the Berlin-based non-governmental organization \u00bbPowerShift\u00ab. He criticizes the fact that civil society can hardly have a say in Germany's raw materials strategy, while the economy sets the tone. The reason: the historical development of raw materials policy. Link to article and podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

03.06.2019, The Story in the First, ARD
\nCan the electric car save the environment?
\n<\/strong>Electric cars are considered climate savers. A billion-dollar market for the German auto industry. And emission-stricken municipalities hope to avoid impending driving bans with electric cars. But is that true? A documentation by the ARD shows which raw materials are contained in the (e-)car, how their extraction destroys the environment and violates human rights. The conclusion: \u201cSimply replacing the tank with a battery is too short\u201d. The automotive industry must be compelled by law to check its supply chains for human rights violations and to put them to rest, says our speaker Merle Groneweg. ARD Documentary<\/a>. And here you can read our study \u201cLess cars, more global justice\u201d mentioned in the programme.<\/p>\n

June 2019, Environment up-to-date
\nThe CETA opinion of the CJEU: \"Against wind for environmental protection\"<\/strong>
\nThe ECJ opinion on corporate litigation rights in CETA does not come as a political surprise. The ECJ thus supports the agenda of the EU Commission, which is trying to redesign and expand group litigation rights. Regulations to protect the environment are already under particularly strong attack. CETA is not a good model for future trade agreements. The journal Umwelt aktuell can be found at the following link: Here.<\/p>\n

June 2019, southlink \u2013 the North-South magazine of inkota
\nUpdraft for Group Lawsuits<\/strong>
\nThe CETA opinion of the ECJ is a setback for the environment and human rights. The CETA agreement between the EU and Canada contains group rights. The European Court of Justice declared these rights to be lawful at the end of April. If the European member states agree to the CETA agreement, Canadian investors in Europe can face billions in lawsuits and, conversely, European investors in Canada. The S\u00fcdlink can be found at the following link: Here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

10.05.2019, taz
\nInvestors can only cheer
\n<\/strong>ECJ ruling on Ceta: Vattenfall claims 6.1 billion euros in damages before an international arbitration court in Germany. The nuclear phase-out had nullified the future profits of the group, according to the argument of the energy supplier. The Trade Agreement with Canada (Ceta) contains similar rights of action for corporations before arbitral tribunals. The European Court of Justice ruled it lawful at the end of April. If the European Member States agree to the agreement, then further billion-dollar lawsuits could follow the model of Vattenfall. Read more<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

08.04.2019, The Raven Ralf
\nFewer cars, more social justice
\n<\/strong>Berlin \u2013 There are over 1.2 million cars in Berlin. The number of cars continues to grow, even though they are in traffic jams and dense traffic in Berlin for an average of 154 hours per year, as long as in no other German city. Among the new registrations are more and more SUVs, i.e. particularly large and climate-damaging vehicles. Better said, \u2018standbys\u2019, as a car stands around for an average of 23 hours a day. PowerShift now wants to combine the commitment to global justice with local approaches to the transport transition. Supported by the EU-funded project \u2018No Planet B\u2019, we convened a \u2018Berliner Autorunde\u2019 together with the BUND Berlin and others. Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

12.12.2018, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nHuman rights come under the wheels
\n<\/strong>The number of cars registered in Germany \u2013 56.5 million vehicles, including 46.5 million cars \u2013 would have to be \u2018drastically reduced\u2019 and the priority of the car in urban planning and infrastructure financing would have to be ended. \"Electric cars with battery storage are currently the best option for replacing internal combustion engines ecologically, but they also consume finite raw materials in high quantities,\" said the co-author of the study, Merle Groneweg of Powershift. Read more.<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

11.12.2018, Inforadio rbb Berlin
\nBerlin and the Coal \/ Close-up
\n<\/strong>Katowice \u2013 host of the ongoing climate summit \u2013 is notorious as Europe\u2019s coal stronghold. The dirt that blows Polish vents into the air blows up into our region. But what sometimes gets out of sight despite all the criticism from the federal capital: The Berliners themselves have three coal-fired power plants on their own doorstep \u2013 in the middle of the city. A fourth, the Rummelsburg cogeneration plant, only left lignite a year and a half ago. Franziska Ritter and Kohleausstieg Berlin were present.<\/p>\n

18.10.2018, Radio Dreyeckland
\nHow does a real mobility turnaround work? <\/span>What (electric) cars have to do with global justice<\/strong>
\nClimate change requires a shift away from the internal combustion engine. But are electric cars a reasonable alternative? No, so the club PowerShift<\/em>, because they also contribute to a rapid increase in the consumption of raw materials \u2013 and thus to aggravating global injustice. In particular, raw materials such as cobalt or lithium, which are used for the batteries of electric cars, are mined with ecologically and socially fatal consequences. Rapidly increasing demand is amplifying these effects \u2013 and they are once again hitting the Global South. Interview with Merle Groneweg from PowerShift Listen to<\/a>.<\/p>\n

28.06.2018, New Germany
\nCoal phase-out becomes concrete<\/strong>
\nInterim results of the feasibility study on stopping the combustion of fossil fuels were presented. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

25.06.2018, Newsletter Movement Foundation
\nIn the race against time: We need to get out of the coal!
\n<\/strong>\u201cWe are networking locally, activating urban society and trying to put pressure on politics and the energy supplier. We draw red lines, form human chains in front of the coal-fired power plants in the city and organize together with the raft collectives of the city once a year a large boat demonstration on the Spree in front of one of the power plants. We also ensure that city dwellers are directly involved in the fight against particulate matter and nitrogen slingshots in their neighbourhoods.\u201d Read more on page 2.<\/p>\n

27.05.2018, Climate reporter
\nWater protests against coal<\/strong>
\n\u201cWith about 50 rafts, canoes, hose boats and other boats, around one hundred people demonstrated in Berlin on Saturday for a rapid coal phase-out, the organisers said. The climate activists drove on the water from Berlin's Nordhafen, which is mainly fueled by hard coal and supplies the districts of Moabit and Wedding with heat and electricity. The demonstrators called for more efforts by the Senate for a rapid coal phase-out and more commitment by the Federal Government to climate protection.\u201d Read more.<\/a><\/p>\n

26.05.2018, rbb
\nAhoi coal disembarkation<\/strong>
\nEnvironmentalists demonstrated in bright sunshine for the fastest possible exit from climate and health-damaging energy production. There is a Twitter link to the rbb post. here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

14.05.2018, New Germany
\nFor example BASF \u2013 between responsibility and ignorance!
\n<\/strong>\u201cThe authors of the anthology investigate this and the question of why BASF is committed to responsible business on its own homepage and to the UN Global Compact. These include raw material experts such as Michael Reckordt of Powershift e.V. and Mar\u00eda do Mar Castro Varela, who analyses the speech by BASF CEO.\u201d Read more <\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

02.05.2018, Deutschlandfunk
\n\u201cArbitration tribunals are a highly dangerous instrument\u201d \u2013 discussions on TTIP light
\nPeter Fuchs in conversation with Jule Reimer<\/strong>
\n\u201cFederal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier relies on talks in the customs dispute between the European Union and the USA. Nevertheless, it is a difficult situation, he said this morning in the ARD morning magazine. \u201cThis is why we must try to find a fair negotiated solution between Europeans and Americans.\u201d In principle, he is concerned with reducing tariffs in negotiations. To the background: US President Donald Trump yesterday extended the exemption for the EU from US import tariffs on steel and aluminium by one month. There is now a free trade agreement, a new free trade agreement, TTIP light. In the case of the real TTIP agreement, which had failed between Europeans and the US, the regulation of the Investment Protection Court was particularly controversial.\u201d Read more<\/a> \/ Keep listening<\/a><\/p>\n

19.04.2018, EURACTIV
\nEU trade agreements with Japan and Singapore on the straight line<\/strong>
\n\u201cOn Wednesday, the European Commission presented the results of the negotiations on trade agreements with Japan and Singapore. We are now hoping for rapid ratification in Brussels. But the criticism is not silent. \u201cContrary to the Commission\u2019s assertions that they learned from the protests against CETA and TTIP, Jefta was also negotiated in a completely non-transparent manner,\u201d says, for example, Alessa Hartmann, trade officer at PowerShift, a German organisation that was already involved in the protests against the agreements with the US and Canada.\u201d Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

19.12.2017, SWR \/ ORF
\nThe Marikana massacre. South African miners in search of justice. Feature by Johannes Gelich
\n<\/strong>\u201cThe phrase \u201cOur products are fine\u201d is plain scorn. Some of the raw material prices, which are at least suspected of having been manipulated, then the raw materials and the extraction of these raw materials themselves, are only possible because the wages are too low, which are paid, the local wages in Marikana, for example, are not enough to maintain a minimum standard of living there. And then there are those massive human rights violations, I don\u2019t want to say that there is blood on it, because it is such a common pun that it is hard to bear, but the injustice that comes with extracting raw materials is also hard to bear.\u201d Read more \/ Continue reading<\/p>\n

29.11.2017, Schorndorfer Nachrichten (print)
\n\u201cDigitalisation is a raw material eater\u201d
\n<\/strong>\u201cIndustry therefore calls for the reduction of trade restrictions on raw materials and for more rights of action for companies. For Michael Reckordt, however, this is the completely wrong way. Instead, PowerShift wants to hold companies liable for the social and environmental consequences they contribute to.\u201d<\/p>\n

03.11.2017, euractiv.de (online)
\n\u201cAnniversary: The GATT Agreement on Tariffs and Trade turns 70\"
\n<\/strong>[Excerpt:] For Alessa Hartmann of the German non-governmental organization PowerShift, this is a central reason for the increasing insignificance of the trade organization: \u201cThe WTO is still the backward-looking place where developed countries, including the EU and its Member States, maintain and enhance their trade benefits. This is to the detriment of the poorer countries who are trying to resist it,\" the trade expert told EURACTIV. Read more<\/a> ….<\/p>\n

28.10.2017, Spielgel (print)
\n\u201cRaw materials \u2013 Too many loopholes\u201d
\n<\/strong>\u201cThe Working Group on Raw Materials, a network of non-governmental organisations, criticises parts of the Regulation. \u201cIt offers too many loopholes\u201d, says working group spokesman Michael Reckordt. For example, Brussels removes the obligation to work, such as the electrical and automotive industries.\u201d<\/p>\n

27.10.2017, WirtschaftsWoche (print and online)
\n\u201cThe dark secret of the car industry\u201d
\n<\/strong>[on the UN-Treaty Process:] \u201cThe EU and Germany have torpedoed the process so far\u201d, says Michael Reckordt from the Working Group on Raw Materials, an association of political organisations. [...] \u201cGermany, however, has a special role: The scheme must come from the countries where multinationals are at home.\u201d Reckordt believes that this will take years. Read more ...<\/a><\/p>\n

19.10.2017, bizz energy.com (online)
\n\u201cConflict minerals: Federal Ministry of Economics prepares law\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u201cCriticism of non-governmental organisations: The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Raw Materials (BGR) in Hanover will be responsible for the implementation in Germany, says the Federal Government\u2019s raw materials expert, Thomas G\u00e4ckle, at a specialist event during the \u2018Alternative Raw Materials Week\u2019 at the Heinrich B\u00f6ll Foundation (bizz energy, 19.10.2017).<\/p>\n

18.10.2017, new Germany (print and online)
\n\u201cFor a different raw materials policy\u201d<\/strong>
\n\"The raw materials policy must be \"fundamentally reformed\", calls for a broad alliance of human rights, environmental and development organisations that have joined forces in the \"Working Group on Raw Materials\". As part of the third \"Alternative Commodity Week\", which began on Monday, ...\" Read more<\/a> …<\/p>\n

11.10.2017, Frankfurter Rundschau (print and online)
\n“Ecological footprint<\/span> \u2013 Resource curse 4.0<\/span>“<\/strong>
\n“In a study, the non-governmental organization Power Shift shows in detail how Industry 4.0 could soon become a resource curse 4.0. In the production of electronic devices, not only \u2018rare earths\u2019 are consumed \u2013 in general, the expected \u2018dematerialisation\u2019 is already flanked by energy-intensive material battles.\u201d Read more ...<\/span><\/p>\n

03.07.2017, Deutschlandradio (Radio and Podcast)
\n\u201cEU-Japan Free Trade Agreement: JEFTA lacks concrete binding commitments\u201d
\n<\/strong>The EU wants to conclude the JEFTA free trade agreement with Japan. But there are criticisms: For example, binding agreements on the environment, sustainable development and labour law were missing, complained Alessa Hartmann of the organization PowerShift in the Dlf. At present, JEFTA is also not beneficial for the consumer. Read more<\/a>. The podcast can also be downloaded here.<\/p>\n

08.06.2017, Deutschlandradio (Radio and Podcast)
\n“Conflict minerals <\/span>\u201cThe Regulation still has significant loopholes\u201d<\/strong>
\n“Michael Reckordt from the Working Group on Raw Materials pleads for the rules to be improved as soon as possible. In any case, violations must be sanctionable, he said in the Dlf.\u201d Read more ...<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

08.06.2017, Taz (print and online)
\n\u201cProcessing of raw materials \u2013 stealth for blood gold\u201d<\/strong>
\n“Michael Reckordt from the development organization Powershift sees it similarly: \"Many companies will not comply with their supply chain due diligence,\" he fears. Neither the German government nor the EU has any ideas on how to prevent small-scale miners from being displaced in the countries concerned.\u201d Read more<\/a><\/span> …<\/p>\n

05.05.2017, Hufftingon Post (online)
\n\u201cThe dark side of digitalisation: How technological progress is detrimental to the environment\u201d
\n<\/strong>\u201cAccording to a study by the German NGO Powershift, Industry 4.0, i.e. technological change, will devour more raw materials and energies than is often assumed.\u201d (Hufftingon Post, 05.05.2017)<\/p>\n

02.\/03.05.2017, Reutlinger General-Anzeiger, Badische Zeitung and Pforzheimer Zeitung (online)
\n\u2018What is done to prevent blood from sticking to gold\u2019 \/ \u2018To prevent blood from sticking to gold wedding rings\u2019 \/ \u2018To prevent blood from sticking to gold\u2019
\n<\/strong>\u201cPowerShift\u2019s raw materials expert, Michael Reckordt, sees the EU regulation as only a first step. However, the manufacturing industry is exempt from due diligence and the EU has created loopholes with the rather high thresholds, he criticises.\u201d Reutlinger general indicator<\/a>, the The Badian newspaper<\/a> or the Pforzheim newspaper<\/a><\/p>\n

02.05.2017 Wirtschafts Woche (online and print)
\n\u201cEU Regulation \u2013 So that there is no blood on the gold\u201d
\n<\/span><\/strong>\u201cPowerShift\u2019s raw materials expert, Michael Reckordt, sees the EU regulation as only a first step. However, the manufacturing industry is exempt from due diligence and the EU has created loopholes with the rather high thresholds, he criticises.\u201d Read more<\/a> …<\/p>\n

22.04.2017<\/span>, New Germany (print and online)
\n\u201cForcing companies to take responsibility \u2013 New study highlights human rights abuses in nickel mining and calls for consequences\u201d<\/strong>
\n“Beim Abbau wertvoller Ressourcen wie Nickel kommt es in L\u00e4ndern wie den Philippinen zu schweren Menschenrechtsverletzungen. This is evidenced by a study published by the Cologne Philippine Office on Thursday together with the trade and energy policy organisation Powershift.\u201d Read more<\/a><\/span> …<\/p>\n

21.03.2017<\/span>, Taz (print and online)
\n\u201cAnd now comes \u201cJefta\u201d\u201d<\/strong>
\n“However, there is no such restriction in the consolidated text of the relevant chapter of the February 2017 EU-Japan Agreement. \u201cThe planned regulatory cooperation in the agreement with Japan is even worse than in Ceta,\u201d concludes Alessa Hartmann of the free trade-critical organisation Powershift, which has already analysed the text.\u201d Read more<\/a> …
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

20.03.2017, Taz (print and online)<\/p>\n

\u2018Regulation of deep-sea mining: Restricted hunting for raw materials\u201d<\/strong>
\n“Michael Reckordt, coordinator of the Raw Materials Working Group network, pointed out another problem of deep-sea mining: \u201cNGOs do not have submarines. This means that monitoring is left to states that are often overwhelmed on land.<\/span>\u201d It is often journalists or civil society who document environmental degradation and human rights violations in the mining of raw materials on land. \"Deep-sea mining is the completely wrong step,\" said Reckordt. Read more ...<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

20.03.2017, radioWelt Bayern 2 (on air)
\n\"Magazine in the morning\"
\n<\/strong>\u201cConversation with Michael Reckordt, graduate geographer at PowerShift e.V., on non-transparent raw materials policy\u201d (radioWelt Bayern 2,20.03.2017)<\/p>\n

16.03.2017, Deutschland Radio Wissen (online and on air)
\n\u201cEU Conflict Minerals Regulation \u2013 Bloody Raw Materials\u201d
\n<\/strong>\u201cThere are minerals in our laptops and smartphones. With the dismantling and sale, conflicts and thus the killing are partly financed. The European Parliament is voting on a new regulation, but critics want more. They include Michael Reckordt, raw materials expert at the NGO Power Shift.\u201d Read more ...<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

24.02.2017, Enorm Magazin (print and online)
\n\"Progress eats up resources\"<\/strong>
\n\u201cMore growth and at the same time more environmental protection: What sounds promising is past reality, criticized Powershift from Berlin<\/a>. In its study \u2018Resource Curse 4.0\u2019, the NGO analysed various industry forecasts \u2013 and comes to the opposite conclusion: Thereafter, Industry 4.0 and digitalisation will consume far more raw materials and energy than before \u2013 and this will have consequences: The new hunger for raw materials increases the pressure on deposits in ecologically highly sensitive areas in the deep sea, the Arctic or in remote rainforests.\u201d Read more ...<\/p>\n

02\/01\/2017, S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung (online)
\n\u201cEnterprises shall evade any jurisdiction\u201d<\/strong>
\n“Ironically, we have arbitral tribunals before which companies can sue states. But we do not have mechanisms for victims of human rights violations to sue companies internationally. As soon as companies withdraw from the respective country, they evade almost any jurisdiction.\u201d <\/span>Read more ...<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

18.11.2016, Frankfurter Rundschau (print)
\nRaw materials for war - Development organisations criticise planned EU regulation on conflict minerals<\/strong>
\n\"So far, however, they are more likely to see scandalous passivity, according to Mcihael Reckordt, coordinator of the Working Group on Raw Materials of German Non-Governmental Organisations. However, following the agreement in principle on a conflict raw materials regulation in June of this year, the Federal Government now appears to be idly watching \u2018as its previous efforts for<\/span> human rights are being undermined by the installation of huge loopholes\u201d.<\/p>\n

31.10.2016, Taz (print and online)
\nRaw materials promote upgrading \u2013 blood gold from the dentist<\/span><\/strong>
\n\"There is a threat that the entire regulation will be eroded at a crucial point\", fears Michael Reckordt of the human rights association PowerShift. Because the thresholds are too high, from when the raw material importers meet a reporting and control obligation.<\/span>Read more ... <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.10.2016, Frankfurter Rundschau (print and online)
\nRaw materials: Anything but gold
\n<\/span><\/strong>Non-governmental organisations such as Powershift had already criticised the German-Mongolian raw materials partnership at the outset because it was unilaterally oriented towards the access of German industry to raw materials, while it did not require compliance with human rights and environmental standards. <\/span>Read more ... <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

14.09.2016, New Germany (print and online)
\nInternational Alliance warns against CETA
\n<\/span><\/strong>Berlin. An alliance of European and Canadian organizations warns of the planned European-Canadian free trade agreement CETA. The disputed legal rights of foreign corporations are hardly limited, a climate policy in the sense of the global climate agreement is endangered, it said on Tuesday. <\/span>Read more ... <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

14.09.2016, JungeWelt (online)
\nCETA threatens dumping
\n<\/span><\/strong>Few details are known to the public about CETA so far. The trade agreement between the European Union and Canada is being prepared by lobbyists behind closed doors. Various consumer protection organisations warned of the risks when presenting an analysis of the planned contract in Berlin on Tuesday.<\/span>Read more ... <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

13.09.2016, klimaretter.info (online)
\nNGOs call for a stop at Ceta
\n<\/span><\/strong>The planned free trade agreement between Canada and the EU threatens the common good on both sides of the Atlantic. European and Canadian non-governmental organisations are convinced of this. The alliance of environmental and consumer activists as well as globalization critics, including the BUND, Attac and Powershift, issued a statement on Tuesday. <\/span>A study that predicts the impact of the agreement. (klimaretter.info, 13.09.2016)<\/span><\/p>\n

13.09.2016, Evangelisch.de (online)
\nStudy: Ceta threatens climate protection and sustainable agriculture
\n<\/span><\/strong>An alliance of European and Canadian organizations warns with a study of the European-Canadian free trade agreement Ceta. The disputed legal rights of foreign corporations are hardly limited and a climate policy in the sense of the Paris climate agreement is threatened, the organizations explained on Tuesday in Berlin. Editors of the study include the German Federal Government for the Environment and Nature (BUND), PowerShift and the Working Group on Agricultural Development.Read more<\/a>…<\/p>\n

13.09.2016, Deutschlandfunk (online, Radio)
\nCriticism of Ceta does not stop
\n<\/span><\/strong>The final draft text for the EU-Canada Ceta Free Trade Agreement is available. Criticism from environmental groups remains \u2013 for example on investment protection. They even fear that US companies will have access to the investor lawsuit mechanism anchored in Ceta \u2013 and do not need TTIP at all. Read more and continue listening...<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

14.07.2016, Frankfurter Rundschau (online, print)
\nMongolia \u2013 The Curse of Gold
\n<\/span><\/strong>Angela Merkel will also travel to ASEM, Germany has had a raw material partnership with Mongolia since 2011. NGOs such as Powershift criticize the agreement: Because it is geared towards the access of German industry to raw materials, but environmental standards and human rights do not play a role in it, it poses the risk of advancing mining and thus human rights violations and environmental destruction. Read more ... <\/span><\/p>\n

04.07.2016, TAZ (online, print)
\nRaw materials in sustainable smartphones \u2013 almost fair after all
\n<\/span><\/strong>\"It is a step in the right direction if four of the raw materials used in a smart phoenix are conflict-free,\" says Micha\u2010el Reck\u2010ordt, raw materials expert at Ver\u2010ein Powers\u2010hift. However, \u2018conflict-free only means that dismantling or dismantling can cause bloody conflict, and that it is far from being possible for any human rights to be more violated or for the environment to be affected as little as possible\u2019. It is therefore still a long way to go to the more effective Telefon.<\/span><\/span> Read more ... <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

17.06.2016, Radio Dreyeckland (live and in blog)
\nParticipate in financing murderous paramilitaries when buying a computer? New EU directives on conflict minerals do not go far enough
\n<\/strong>The European Commission, the European Parliament and the member states agreed on Wednesday after one year of negotiations on the guidelines of a regulation that should regulate trade in the so-called conflict minerals. A step in the right direction, but far from enough, I mean 130 non-governmental organizations. Even the USA, which was often accused of lax regulations in the TTIP debate, was faster and more consistent here, reports Michael Reckordt, coordinator of the AK Raw Materials<\/a>. Read more \/ listen ...<\/a><\/p>\n

15.06.2016, TAZ (online, print)
\nConflict minerals: \"The EU releases companies from their responsibilities\"
\n<\/span><\/strong>The European Parliament, the Development and Cooperation Organisation, the UN, all say that it is necessary to act responsibly on the basis of the whole set of principles. The EU is failing to set out a specific policy in this area. Many enterprises which use raw materials are thus not held responsible.<\/span> Read more ... <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

18.05.2016, ZEIT and ZEIT ONLINE
\nTTIP: Federal government tricks in arbitral tribunals
\n<\/span><\/strong>\u201cIt is a scandal: Whether in TTIP, Ceta or now also within the EU, the German government is constantly pushing for special rights for foreign investors\u201d, says Peter Fuchs of Powershift, an organisation that critically monitors current global trade policy. Fuchs calls for the immediate, replacement-free termination of these contracts. This is exactly what the European Commission has been promoting to governments in recent months. (The full article can here<\/a> can be viewed on TIME ONLINE). <\/span><\/p>\n

09.03.2016, Aachener Nachrichten (print only)
\nThe dark side of extremely valuable natural resources
\n<\/span><\/strong>Voluntary regulations are not an option for Reckordt. \u201cOECD standards have been in place for five years. Industry could have been active for a long time. This has not happened\u201d. That is why, like many aid organisations, but also the parliamentary groups of the Greens and the Left in the Bundestag, he calls for binding regulation that covers the entire supply chain from the mine to the final product.<\/span><\/p>\n

16.02.2016, Frankfurter Rundschau (online, print: 17.02.2016)
\nModern colonialism
\n<\/span><\/strong>The unequal distribution of costs and benefits and the aggressiveness of the EU in securing global access to raw materials through investment and free trade agreements is shown by the study \u2018Everything for us!? The global impact of European trade and investment policy on the exploitation of raw materials\", produced by geographer Nicola Jaeger for Powershift.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

02.02.2016, Taz
\nControl: It's about gold<\/strong>
\nThe development NGOs in Germany also criticise the positions of the Council and the Commission: Michael Reckordt from the NGO PowerShift: \u201cChina has been implementing the groundbreaking OECD standard on due diligence throughout the supply chain since 2015, and it would be a poverty testament for the EU if its regulation were to fall behind.\u201d<\/span> read more ...<\/a><\/p>\n

21.01.2016, All Electronics
\nConflict materials \u2013 delicate raw materials for capacitors and other components
\n\u201cPower Shift, the association for an ecological and solidarity-based energy and world economy, sees this as a great danger [...]: \"Many small-scale smelters and small-scale miners are active in mining in the Congo,\" said Michael Reckordt, coordinator of the AK Rohstoff at Power Shift, Deutschlandfunk. \u201cThis means that if you start calling for a boycott against the country, the country would be bypassed and people would lose their jobs and thus their livelihoods; that's a bit of the challenge as to why you should be very sensitive.\u201d read more ...<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

2016, Caspar Dohmen, Eichborn Verlag
\nProfit greed without borders<\/strong>
\n\u201cNevertheless, the unions, with their millions of members, are by no means the main architects of resistance to free trade agreements, but various NGOs, such as Friends of the Earth, BUND, Greenpeace or Brot f\u00fcr die Welt, but also tiny NGOs, completely unknown to most citizens, such as Powershift or CEO.\u201d
\n(page 212, see also pp. 214 et seq.)<\/p>\n

02.12.2015, TAZ
\nReport on raw material imports - Demand is falling<\/strong>
\n\"For some time now, we have been witnessing an increasing fall in prices for almost all raw materials, especially copper and gold,\" says Michael Reckrodt [sic!], coordinator of the Working Group on Raw Materials. [...] What is good news for the German economy, however, is causing massive problems where raw materials are mined, especially in countries of the Global South. \"With world market prices falling, mining companies are coming under pressure and lowering social and environmental standards,\" says Reckrodt [sic!]. read more<\/a><\/p>\n

10.11.2015, Deutschlandfunk
\n\u201cRegulate trade in conflict minerals in a binding manner\u201d
\n<\/strong>In many everyday objects are tantalum, tungsten, tin and gold. In the Republic of the Congo, but not only there, the business of these commodities keeps the struggle of rival groups going. A voluntary self-certification of companies is not enough, said Michael Reckordt of the network working group raw materials in the DLF. read more<\/a><\/p>\n

19.10.2015, New Germany
\nCompanies must disclose their supply chain<\/strong>
\nThe EU is discussing whether companies will have to report where the raw materials they use come from in the future. Transparency obligations should help, among other things, that no more conflict minerals, with which civil war armies finance themselves, come into circulation. read more ...<\/a><\/p>\n

24.11.2014, Deutschlandfunk
\nControversial handling \u2013 raw materials from conflict areas<\/strong>
\nThe planned EU regulation is now intended to prevent this. For Michael Reckordt of Power Shift \u2013 Association for an Ecological \u2013 Solidarity Energy and World Economy, however, the draft does not go far enough in this regard. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

31.10.2014, Deutschlandfunk
\nWhy there are no fair mobile phones<\/strong>
\nHowever, Powershift's Michael Reckordt does not go far enough: \u201cOn the one hand, it must not be voluntary, but must become mandatory for companies to report and exercise due diligence. The second would certainly be that it should not be limited to the raw materials gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten. There are also human rights conflicts or conflict financing for other raw materials \u2013 copper, nickel and others.\u201d read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

25.09.2014, Frankfurter Rundschau
\nRules for fracking softened<\/strong>
\nThe organization PowerShift finds this particularly problematic because fracking and the pressing of toxic reservoir water should also be allowed in the vicinity of public water abstraction points and food production sites subject to conditions.<\/p>\n

28\/08\/2014, S\u00fcddeutsche Zeitung
\nDark energy from Colombia - Controversial RWE transactions<\/strong>
\nBecause people are murdered for coal in South America, the German company RWE got a bad conscience for a short time. Now, however, he is probably relying on a company that maintains contacts with brutal paramilitaries. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

26.08.2014, 3sat
\nThe dirty business of coal<\/strong>
\nWith the nuclear phase-out of Germany, the demand for hard coal is increasing. But the last German mines are closing in 2018. Where does the coal that is being burned in Germany come from? read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

14.08.2014, daily show
\nTowards Parallel Justice - Free Trade Agreement with Canada<\/strong>
\nIn the shadow of the EU-US TTIP free trade agreement, a similar agreement with Canada is about to be concluded \u2013 CETA. The text of the contract shows: This agreement, too, could expose governments to complaints from private investors. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

17.07.2014, New Germany
\nNew contract on raw materials partnership<\/strong>
\nIn any case, German non-governmental organisations, which are part of the working group on raw materials, see the danger that the raw materials partnerships will deepen existing conflicts in mining activities [...]. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

07.06.2014, General newspaper
\n40. Open ear festival in Mainz - Opening podium at Drususstein - \"Wars in the Future\"
\n<\/strong>Applause, however, only the audience contribution reaps: \u201cCapitalism is fomenting conflicts over raw materials with reckless violence, and we are all falling into 'benevolent complicity' for fear of losing jobs\u201d. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

21.03.2014, The Nation (USA)
\nEurope Goes Soft on Conflict Minerals, Making Human Rights Optional<\/strong>
\nThe European Union\u2019s new plan for restricting conflict minerals in global trade starts with good intentions, but usually ends there. The European Commission\u2019s draft legislation, slated for implementation in 2015, aims to designate \u2018responsible importers\u2019 that references keep their supply chains free of materials used to finance armed conflict, mainly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and South Sudan. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

05.03.2014, TAZ
\nNo gold from civil wars
\n<\/strong>Voluntary approaches already enshrined at UN level would not have brought about any change. In addition, an EU regime should not only cover importers and more than four raw materials. <\/span>read more...<\/a><\/p>\n

26.02.2014, Tagesspiegel
\nRaw materials strategy: When the iPhone Funds Wars
\n<\/strong>Critics such as Vogt and Reckordt therefore demand more responsibility from the German side. The government must address the raw materials strategy more strongly as a cross-cutting task, for example by integrating development policy more, Vogt demands. Reckordt sees a growing need for political pressure on companies that source raw materials from crisis areas. read more...<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"PowerShift in den Medien Der PowerShift Medienspiegel startet im Jahr 2014. Die j\u00fcngsten Beitr\u00e4ge finden sich oben. Wir erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollst\u00e4ndigkeit, sondern m\u00f6chten eine Auswahl von Artikeln pr\u00e4sentieren, die wir entweder mit angesto\u00dfen haben oder in denen wir selbst zu Wort kommen (Interviews, Zitate, eigene Artikel, etc.). 12.05.2026, Table.Briefings Critical Raw Materials: Zweifel…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":93669,"parent":116,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"thema":[],"coauthors":[83],"class_list":["post-94424","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94424"}],"version-history":[{"count":59,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99308,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94424\/revisions\/99308"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94424"},{"taxonomy":"thema","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thema?post=94424"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/power-shift.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=94424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}