Reporting obligations under foreign trade law often place substantial bureaucratic burdens on companies and individuals. The changes and clarifications that took effect on 1 January 2025 are therefore particularly welcome: for instance, reporting thresholds have been significantly raised and reporting deadlines harmonised. In addition, the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (Außenwirtschaftsverordnung – AWV) now explicitly stipulates that the transfer of crypto assets constitutes a reportable payment once the thresholds are met; moreover, new classification numbers for crypto assets have been introduced. We provide a summary of the key changes.
read moreIn our series of briefings, we highlight some of the key issues of International Investment Law (IIL). In this fourth edition, we focus on the complex relationship between IIL and foreign direct investment (FDI) screening laws.
read moreDer russische Angriffskrieg auf die Ukraine hat eine regelrechte Aufbruchsstimmung in der europäischen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustrie (SVI) ausgelöst: Die Nachfrage nach militärischen Gütern, Dienstleistungen und Innovationen ist rasant gestiegen, und auch private Investoren richten ihren Blick verstärkt auf Unternehmen in diesem Sektor (siehe hier).
In dieser Ausgabe unserer Briefingreihe werfen wir einen genaueren Blick auf die regulatorischen Fallstricke, die bei der Beschaffung von Finanzmitteln lauern. Ein brandaktuelles Thema, das insbesondere für Start-ups und KMU angesichts der „Zeitenwende“ und eines zunehmend positiven Geschäftsklimas von Bedeutung ist. Erfahren Sie, wie Sie trotz der Vielzahl an nationalen und europäischen Vorgaben sicher durch den Regulierungsdschungel navigieren können.
read moreIn this third briefing on International Investment Law (IIL), we examine how IIL and in-vestor-state arbitration may be used in response to the so-called countersanctions adopted by the Russian government in retaliation to sanctions imposed by the EU and its Western partners.
read moreIn this second edition of BLOMSTEIN’s International Investment Law (IIL) briefing series, we look at how the EU’s sanctions against Russia are affecting existing investments in Russia and investment arbitrations against the Russian state. Meanwhile, our next briefing will look at the impact of Russia’s countersanctions on investors and their prospects for redress under IIL.
read moreForeign direct investments (FDI) have faced greater scrutiny in recent years, as states increasingly subject investment transactions to screening procedures due to rising geopolitical tensions and national security concerns. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the worsening climate crisis have prompted stronger and more frequent state actions. Regulatory measures and new security policies will likely impact existing and planned investments significantly. For instance, EU financial sanctions can directly affect the ability to control investments by investors subject to asset freezes and other restrictions. Russian “counter sanctions”, on the other hand, have included threats of expropriation to Western companies, with one machine tool manufacturer already reporting that the Russian government nationalized one of its plants.
read moreIt has long been recognised that financial support in favour of football clubs can distort fair competition. A widespread concern is that investors behind the big European clubs like Manchester City, Paris Saint Germain, or Chelsea FC reign over professional football with their money at will. In light of this, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) established the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. With the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which entered into force in January 2023, there may be another instrument to address financial advantages to football clubs perceived as unfair if the investment is attributable to a government outside the EU.
read moreIn view of “Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine”, as the relevant Regulations coin it, the EU has tightened the financial sanctions on Russia. Introduced via Council Regulations of 25 February, 28 February and 1 March, the revised and newly inserted Articles 5 to 5i of the amended Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 seek to largely restrict access to the EU capital market by Russia’s central bank, several major banks and key companies. As announced in our briefing of 26 February 2022 on the EU’s second round of Russia sanctions, we will go into more detail on these sanctions in the following.
read moreSince last night, the EU has adopted further sanctions against Russia. The new restrictions concern the listing of further persons, including Oligarchs with close ties to President Putin, and the aviation sector. The SWIFT de-coupling is not yet legally implemented.
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