In brief | 15 August ‘25

Politico: German rail chief to step down as company struggles toward turnaround

Leadership change comes as Deutsche Bahn struggles to restore its finances and reputation.

Euractiv: EU disaster mechanism hits record wildfire activations as Europe keeps burning

The EU stands ready to help countries battling wildfires as its disaster response mechanism hits a record 16 activations this summer, the European Commission said.

Reuters: Plastic pollution treaty stalled as Geneva talks end without deal

Diplomats and climate advocates had warned earlier this month that efforts by the European Union and small island states to cap virgin plastic production — fuelled by petroleum, coal, and gas — are threatened by opposition from petrochemical-producing countries.