On 2 July 2025, the European Commission introduced its 2040 climate target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. One of the key features of this strategy is the possibility to introduce...more
The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) found that the online marketplace and fast fashion e-retailer SHEIN engaged in a range of practices that are in breach of EU consumer law.
Scope of the CPC coordinated...more
On 25 March 2025, the European Commission ('Commission') announced the list of 47 Strategic Projects designated under the Critical Raw Materials Act ('CRMA'). Each of these Strategic Projects will support in forming strong...more
The European Commission published an "Omnibus" package of proposed changes on 26 February, marking the start of a process that could result in significant changes to key EU laws on sustainability reporting, diligence and...more
3/10/2025
/ Carbon Emissions ,
Climate Change ,
Corporate Counsel ,
Corporate Governance ,
Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) ,
EU ,
European Commission ,
Popular ,
Regulatory Reform ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Reporting Requirements ,
Supply Chain ,
Sustainability ,
Taxonomy
The EU's new Deforestation Regulation requires companies trading in cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood, as well as products derived from these commodities, to conduct extensive diligence on the value chain...more
In December 2024, representatives from the European Commission, Council of the EU and Parliament agreed a compromise that will delay the application of the Deforestation Regulation by 12 months....more
Historically, the majority of sanctions cases before the EU Courts have been “de-listing” cases—actions by individuals or entities seeking to annul their designation on the EU Asset Freeze. These cases have offered little...more
Following pressure from global partners and stakeholders about the imminent entry into effect of the EU's 2023 regulation requiring that certain products sold in the EU be 'deforestation-free', the European Commission has...more
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (the "CBAM") reporting obligations started applying from 1 October 2023. The final CBAM Implementing Regulation introduces further insight and key clarifications.
The CBAM...more
The application of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism ("CBAM") is fast approaching for importers and manufacturers of products in the cement, fertiliser, iron, steel, aluminium, hydrogen and electricity producing...more
The European Commission has proposed a directive on regulating so-called 'Green Claims', that lays down detailed rules on the substantiation, communication and verification of voluntary environmental claims and environmental...more
On 9 March 2023, the European Commission adopted the Temporary Crisis and Transition State aid Framework ("TCTF") aimed at boosting and retaining clean tech investments in Europe. The TCTF marks an unprecedented loosening of...more
3/28/2023
/ Batteries ,
Carbon Capture and Sequestration ,
Clean Energy ,
Energy Sector ,
EU ,
European Commission ,
European Economic Area (EEA) ,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ,
Renewable Energy ,
Solar Panels ,
Technology Sector ,
Wind Power
On 28 October 2022, the European Commission adopted the second amendment to its State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework to support businesses affected by Russia's actions in Ukraine and the unfolding energy crisis.
White &...more
On 23 February 2022, the European Commission ("Commission") issued its long-awaited Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence to tackle human rights and environmental impacts across global value...more
On 15 December 2021, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU Directive1 aimed at tightening compliance with EU environmental laws through the introduction of new criminal offences, increased sanctions and...more
The Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union ("CJEU") has opined for the first time on the controversial 1996 EU Blocking Regulation,1 which prohibits EU companies from complying with certain US sanctions...more
On 17 November 2021, the European Commission ("Commission") announced a Proposal for a new Regulation to curb global deforestation and forest degradation driven by European Union ("EU") consumption of certain commodities....more
The UK has left the EU but there remains a vast array of operational and legal issues for businesses to address. See below for our perspectives on the key challenges and opportunities that Brexit presents for different...more
8/3/2021
/ Data Protection ,
Dispute Resolution ,
EU ,
European Commission ,
Financial Services Industry ,
Germany ,
Italy ,
Member State ,
State Aid ,
Technology Sector ,
Trade Agreements ,
UK ,
UK Brexit ,
Withdrawal Agreement
On 5 May 2021, the European Commission ("Commission") issued a proposal for a far-reaching Regulation to tackle foreign subsidies, which, if adopted, will increase the regulatory risk for companies operating or investing in...more
5/10/2021
/ Competition ,
Corporate Counsel ,
EU ,
European Commission ,
Foreign Direct Investment ,
Foreign Subsidies ,
Joint Venture ,
Mergers ,
Proposed Regulation ,
Public Consultations ,
Public Procurement Policies
It has now been a year since the UK exited the EU and a matter of months since the transition period came to an end. For the most part, there have not been major changes to environmental regulation in the UK. Instead, the UK...more
State aid remained one of the key sticking points in Brexit negotiations right until the announcement of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement ("TCA") on Christmas Eve 2020. One of the key priorities of the European Union...more
2/8/2021
/ BEIS ,
Cross-Border Transactions ,
EU ,
European Commission ,
Financial Assistance Policies ,
Judicial Review ,
Member State ,
State Aid ,
Subsidies ,
Trade Relations ,
UK ,
UK Brexit ,
UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
The European Court of Justice (the "ECJ") has confirmed1 the EU General Court’s (and the European Commission’s) finding that Goldman Sachs was jointly liable for the conduct of a former subsidiary, Prysmian, which the...more
1/29/2021
/ Antitrust Violations ,
Cartels ,
Competition ,
Corporate Counsel ,
European Commission ,
European Court of Justice (ECJ) ,
Goldman Sachs ,
Institutional Investors ,
Joint and Several Liability ,
Parent Corporation ,
Portfolio Companies ,
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
After countless deadlines have come and gone, with a deal 90% done but three intransigent sticking points, on 24 December 2020 the UK and EU finally announced "agreement in principle" had been reached on their future...more
The European Commission has published a proposal to revise the EU's Aarhus Regulation that, if adopted, would expand the possibilities for NGOs to challenge EU administrative acts and omissions on the basis that they...more
The European Commission and the EU's Foreign Policy High Representative have put forward a proposal for a new, non-country-based sanctions programme to address human rights violations and abuses with asset freezes and travel...more