European Union: International Law

Polish prosecutors have registered nearly 2,500 sanctions cases as of mid-2026, with 85% targeting Belarus and at least 91 criminal proceedings specifically focused on wood-processing products.

France's Office for Foreign Investment (IEF) has released its 2025 guidance on foreign direct investment screening, revealing key procedural changes and clarifications on sector-specific requirements. With the EU's Revised FDI Screening Regulation set to take effect in 2027, investors face new timelines, expanded mandatory screening sectors, and stricter compliance obligations that will fundamentally reshape cross-border transaction planning.

The Dutch government has prohibited a US IT company from acquiring Solvinity, the operator behind DigiD, the Netherlands' digital identity verification system. This decision raises important questions about how national security concerns intersect with foreign investment in critical telecommunications infrastructure and what legal mechanisms exist to protect public interests in the digital age.

The European Union’s 20th Russia sanctions package entered into force on 24 April 2026. For businesses, its significance extends well beyond the new listings and export codes.

Reuters is reporting that three individuals have today been convicted of Russian sanctions offences.

Polish prosecutors have registered nearly 2,500 sanctions cases as of mid-2026, with 85% targeting Belarus and at least 91 criminal proceedings specifically focused on wood-processing products.

A recent Court of Justice of the European Union ruling clarifies how courts may assess enforcement risks in cross-border disputes, particularly when creditors face legislative barriers in the debtor's jurisdiction. The judgment addresses whether past conduct and national laws impeding enforcement can be considered when evaluating applications for European Account Preservation Orders.

Cross-border parental responsibility disputes raise complex questions of jurisdiction, particularly where children have become settled in another country. The Cyprus Court of Appeal recently examined whether Cypriot courts had jurisdiction over four children who had relocated to Germany, where they were living, attending school, and integrating socially.

The EU General Court has issued a significant ruling regarding Crocs' design rights, examining the validity and scope of protection for the iconic footwear design. This case explores the boundaries of design protection in the European Union and raises important questions about what elements of a product design can be legally protected.