Germany's floods make climate, competence top issues for election
July 21, 2021
VIDEOSGZERO World with Ian BremmerQuick TakePUPPET REGIMEIan ExplainsGZERO ReportsAsk IanGlobal Stage
Site Navigation
Search
Human content,
AI powered search.
Latest Stories
Sign up for GZERO Daily.
Get our latest updates and insights delivered to your inbox.
Global Stage LIVE from United Nations WATCH REPLAY
GZERO Europe
Watch insights on the latest news about Europe from Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden.
Presented by
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe:
What will be the effects on the politics of Germany after the immense flooding?
Well, it's really been a catastrophe, nearly 200 people dead in Germany alone. First effect, naturally, questions about the competence of the government, has enough been done? And secondly, climate issues will be much more in forefront of the election campaign.
What are the details of the green package that was unveiled by the European Commission the other day?
Details, there are many. But there are two pillars of it. The first is the radical enlargement and strengthening of the ETS, the Emissions Trading System, to include housing and include transport. That's a fairly firm mission. Secondly is what is called a carbon border adjustment mechanism. That is a carbon tax on imports from countries that are less stringent on climate. Both of these are fairly significant measures. There will be a lot of debate both inside Europe and around the world about the effects that they will have, but if Europe is going to achieve the 55% reduction by 2030, that has been promised and is necessary, ain't much of an alternative.
Keep reading...Show less
More from GZERO Europe
GZERO Series
GZERO World with Ian Bremmer
Puppet Regime
Quick Take
ask ian
Ian Explains
GZERO Reports
GZERO Europe
The Debrief
© 2026 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group company.
GZERO Daily: our free newsletter about global politics
Keep up with what’s going on around the world - and why it matters.