European Union: Trade Regulation & Practices

The European Commission has delivered its first three-year review of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, declaring the enforcement framework "fit for purpose" while acknowledging significant administrative burden on market participants. Though the regime has processed thousands of notifications since 2023, resulting in only a handful of in-depth investigations, the Commission has committed to targeted procedural simplifications expected in 2027, even as it doubles down on scrutinizing state-backed acquirers a

The European Commission has published its review of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), addressing widespread concerns about the regime's disproportionate compliance burden on M&A deals and procurement procedures. While the EC maintains the instrument is "fit for purpose," stakeholders and independent studies reveal significant administrative challenges, with only 1% of notified M&A deals warranting in-depth review and proposed reforms falling short of the fundamental redesign many had requested.

The European Union has introduced a new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening Regulation that will fundamentally reshape how Member States assess and control foreign investments.

Merger Control Comparative Guide for the jurisdiction of Malta, check out our comparative guides section to compare across multiple countries

In response to the Russian Federation's activities targeting Ukraine and the recognition of Luhansk/Donetsk as independent regions, EU foreign ministers have authorized three packages of sanctions.

New law regulates commercial dealings between suppliers and comparatively larger buyers of food and agricultural products.

The E-commerce Directive prohibits EU Member States from restricting the freedom to provide information society services from another EU Member State.

On 7 December 2017, a Bill on the reform of business law was submitted to the Federal Chamber of Representatives.

Following a proposal which was put forward by the Commission in May 2016, on the 6th February, 2018, the European Parliament voted in favour of a proposed regulation on addressing unjustified geo-blocking.