On 29 September, the European Commission launched a call for feedback on its plans for new trade tools that would strengthen the EU’s trade diversification and economic resilience. The initiative is intended to address situations where a high level of
Latest from Global Policy Watch
Overview of EU and UK Regulatory Developments relating to Autonomous Vehicles
Driverless and autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) are moving from test tracks and pilot schemes to commercial deployment around the world. In the U.S. and China, robotaxi fleets and autonomous trucking services are proliferating. Similar developments are happening in the EU and
President von der Leyen’s 2026 State of the Union Address – Decoding the Competition and Foreign Investment Implications
On September 16, 2026, European Commission President von der Leyen opened her annual State of the Union address with the warning that “[a] fight for industrial capacities is shaping global competition”. Her speech indicated how the European Commission intends to
Rare House Contempt Resolutions Signal Heightened Risks for Private Parties
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives adopted resolutions holding two witnesses in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas issued by the House Committee on Ethics in connection with the Committee’s investigation of alleged congressional ethics violations
Recent Developments in UK and European Space Policy and Industrial Strategy
Across three days this month, there were two major events providing meaningful insight into how the European—and potentially the global—space industry is likely to develop in the coming years. On 8 September 2026, the UK Government published its new Space
President Trump Signs Legislation Authorizing Russia-Related Tariffs and Additional Sanctions
On September 18, President Trump signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (the “Graham Act” or the “Act”), which passed both the House and Senate with substantial bipartisan majorities. The law is named
California Enacts Several Minors’ Privacy and Safety Laws
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a sweeping set of laws related to minors’ privacy and safety, including new laws that restrict covered platforms from providing certain features to users under 16, impose a duty of care on social media
Navigating European Regulatory Regimes for Defense Sector Investments and Deals
Executive Summary
- Geopolitical developments are driving significant investment into the defense sectors in Europe. Acquisitions and investments in these sectors are likely to require multiple regulatory approvals across merger control, foreign investment / national security control, and foreign subsidies.
- Merger
UK Adopts New Iran Sanctions and Announces Measures Relating to Israeli Settlements
This alert summarizes recent developments in relation to the UK sanctions.
First, the UK introduced a substantial expansion of its Iran sanctions regime, including new trade, financial and transport restrictions. These measures are scheduled to enter into force on 29
California Legislature Advances AI Employment Bills
At the end of August, the California legislature passed three bills that would regulate the use of AI in the employment context. These bills are now on Governor Newsom’s desk, and he has until September 30 to sign or veto.