Recast regulation on export control of dual-use items: What will change?
The Recast Dual-Use Regulation entered into force on 9 September 2021, replacing the regulation from 2009, governing controls of items with both civil and military purposes. What key changes does the new regulation introduce?
Export of dual-use goods—what you should keep in mind
Compliance with export control regulations poses a growing challenge for participants in international trade in goods and providers of cross-border services. The size of the enterprise is irrelevant. Multinational corporations are subject to the same restrictions and consequences for infringement as small businesses or individuals. Every participant in trade must determine whether a planned export of goods, technologies or services requires a permit or completion of other formalities to avoid exposure to financial losses or criminal liability.
The real cause and the hard cure for the “regulatory chill” of international investment agreements
There is a growing concern among human rights advocates that states—in particular capital-importing ones—are not doing enough to protect their societies against human rights abuses related to foreign investments. The common conviction is that this has to do with the “regulatory chill” caused by international investment agreements (IIAs). States reportedly hesitate to pursue regulations and policies promoting human rights, in fear of being sued in the international arbitration provided for by IIAs for unduly interfering with foreign investors’ interests.
Export control of automated and autonomous vehicle technologies
Autonomous vehicles will be an essential part of the mobility of the future. Cars can already relieve the driver in many situations, and the R&D sector for autonomous vehicles is booming. Companies are investing in sensor and machine-learning technology, creating pilot programmes to test self-driving vehicles at levels 4 and 5 of automation. But the export of some of these technologies may be restricted due to potential military applications.
The EU global sanctions regime: How human rights affect supply chains
On 7 December 2020, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision and a regulation establishing a global sanctions regime for human rights violations. On this basis, the EU will be able to impose sanctions on persons, entities and bodies involved in or responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide—no matter where in the world such actions take place. As soon as possible, EU undertakings active on the global market should adapt their internal compliance systems and reflect human rights issues in designing their supply chains.
Habitual residence in the context of an application for return of a child abroad
Every case brought under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction requires establishment of the child’s habitual residence. Therefore, the concept of habitual residence is central to the operation of the convention itself. Nevertheless, this term is not defined in the convention, nor in the Brussels II bis Regulation applicable to relations between EU member states.
Legal consequences of a “hard Brexit”
It will soon be 10 months since the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union. Although Brexit has formally already occurred, the real-life consequences are barely noticeable. But the transition period in force since the beginning of February 2020 is inexorably coming to an end, and it appears less and less likely that before it expires at the end of 2020 the parties will manage to reach an agreement governing the future relations between the UK and the EU.
M&A and corporate law following a “hard Brexit”
It is looking increasingly likely that an agreement governing relations between the UK and the EU after 31 December 2020 will not be reached in time. This could cause some legal turbulence.
All quiet on the choice-of-law front
The Brexit transition period is coming to an end. Whether or not it is still possible for the UK and the EU to reach a new trade agreement, many businesses operating on both sides can expect a number of uncertainties and challenges. Fortunately, one of the issues that will remain stable is the choice of law in contracts. Here Brexit will result in only technical changes.
Judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters: Choice of law, jurisdiction and enforcement
A hard Brexit would leave choice of law rules largely intact, but remove the UK from convenient EU procedures for recognition and enforcement of judgments.
Post-Brexit cooperation in criminal justice
The EU provides tools for efficient police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. But those instruments may no longer be available to the authorities if there is a hard Brexit.
Brexit and restrictions on trading in dual-use items
The UK ceased to be a member state of the EU on 31 January 2020, and EU law will cease to apply to the UK when the transition period expires on 31 December 2020. This means that from 1 January 2021, the Dual-Use Regulation will not apply to the UK.
