Belgium: International Law

The European Commission (Commission) on 4 March 2026 published its proposal for a Regulation establishing a framework of measures for the acceleration of industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors...

The European Commission intensifies its use of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation with new investigations into Chinese manufacturers, while the EU and UK establish a post-Brexit competition cooperation framework. Meanwhile, sweeping new maritime and industrial strategies signal Europe's shift toward strategic autonomy, combining decarbonization mandates with heightened scrutiny of foreign investment in critical sectors.

On 3 December 2025, the European Commission and the EU High Representative published their latest Joint Communication on Strengthening EU Economic Security.

Further to our earlier post regarding the Belgian seizure of the tanker, the Ethera, it is now being reported that 45 infractions have been identified in relation to the flag status and condition of the vessel.

On Saturday night a combined operation of the Belgian and French military (see here and here) saw the seizure of the sanctioned "shadow fleet" tanker the Ethera in the North Sea.

Further to our post from last week regarding the prosecution of a Russian national in Belgium, for Russian sanctions breaches...