European Union (EU)

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In recent years, the number of cases brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has significantly increased. To address this, the European Council has adopted changes that should give the CJEU considerably more flexibility in how it handles certain preliminary ruling requests, and in particular those relating to international trade issues. …

From September 30, 2023, new EU and UK sanctions will come into effect targeting the imports of specified iron and steel products which are processed in third countries and incorporate Russian-origin iron and steel inputs. Importers will need to declare upon import whether the imported goods are compliant (and be prepared to provide evidence demonstrating…

  • Key takeaway #1 As of October 12, 2023, companies active in the EU have to notify foreign financial contributions (FFCs) received from third countries to the Commission, when they engage in large M&A transactions or participate in high-value public procurements. Pending the Commission’s review of such notifications, a standstill obligation
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  • Key takeaway #1 The European Commission has proposed reforming the Union Customs Code to strengthen the legal framework for customs and bring it into line with recent changes in IT technologies and e-commerce while improving the harmonization of EU customs rules.
  • Key takeaway #2 In principle, customs digitalization should be
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  • In a move that could lead to the quasi-harmonization between Member States of certain aspects of criminal law, the EU institutions are currently considering a new law that would criminalize sanctions evasion.
  • Following the creation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in 2021, members of the European Parliament are now seeking the
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Tamara Capeta, Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, has given her opinion regarding the scope of the EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation. AG Capeta considers the Regulation to cover not only acquisitions by foreign (non-EU) investors, but also the acquisition of one EU undertaking by another, if the acquirer…

The European Union has filed a legal challenge before the World Trade Organization against China’s use of “anti-suit injunctions” (ASIs) to restrict EU holders from enforcing standard-essential patents against Chinese companies in any non-Chinese court. The EU’s request for the establishment of a WTO panel challenges Chinese court-issued ASIs as they “forbid patent holders to…

Russia Sanctions:  There were limited developments this week.  There has been speculation that the EU would release its sixth round of sanctions against Russia, but no updates have been reported thus far.  The new package of sanctions is still expected soon.  The U.S. and UK also did not expand their list of designations this…

On February 23, 2022, the European Commission adopted a new proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The proposed directive specifically focuses on corporate responsibility in global supply chains with regards to human rights – such as child and forced labor – and the environment. This proposed directive comes nearly a year after…