Die Anforderungen an die Ausfuhr oder Verbringung von Rüstungsgütern und Kriegswaffen sind streng und das Gewirr von Einzel-, Sammel- sowie allgemeinen Genehmigungen erscheint in der Praxis oft komplex und undurchsichtig. Mit zwei „neuen“ All-gemeinen Genehmigungen (AGG) gewinnt dieses Gefüge nun weiter an Dynamik.

Recently, the European Commission officially published both its Guidance and FAQs on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). As the PPWR will apply from 12 August 2026 onwards, further guidance on the Regulation’s interpretation has been much anticipated, with now only roughly five months remaining until the first material obligations will apply. This briefing provides an initial overview of key aspects that economic operators should already consider when preparing for compliance. It is intended as a starting point for navigating a Regulation that will affect the vast majority of economic operators.

 BLOMSTEIN is opening an office in Düsseldorf, effective April 15, 2026. As part of the initial launch, Christopher Wolters(Partner) and  Tobias Ackermann(Senior Associate) will start on the ground. Further team expansions and formal office opening are planned for later this year.

With the European Commission launching its first calls for proposals under the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) almost in parallel with the introduction of AGILE, its new programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation, the EU is taking the next steps in expanding its defence‑industrial toolkit. Time to give a quick overview of what these instruments are and how they fit into existing EU programs.

BLOMSTEIN is delighted to welcome two highly experienced senior lawyers: Juliana Wimmer and Uğur Can Hekim will further enhance our international trade and regulatory practice and our advisory strength in complex international regulatory matters.

Amongst the pressing topics regarding the Defence Industry and the current challenges it faces is the question how competition policy can contribute to Europe’s security.

The EU is facing increasing pressure from global instability and a weakening rules-based order. The “Industrial Accelerator Act” (IAA), for which the Commission recently unveiled its proposal (the Proposal),  is designed to help navigate these challenges. The Proposal sets the target of raising the share of the manufacturing industry in the EU’s gross domestic product to at least 20 % by 2035. This aim shall be achieved mainly by two mechanisms: a framework for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening in certain sensitive sectors and “Buy European” requirements for public procurement procedures and subsidies on the other hand. While this briefing focuses on the FDI aspects of the Proposal, its “Buy European” elements are discussed separately.

BLOMSTEIN advised Dragsbæk A/S, a subsidiary of Orkla Food Ingredients and a Danish producer of hybrid dairy products and specialty fats, on merger control and foreign direct investment aspects in connection with its acquisition of Vortella Lebensmittelwerk W. Vortmeyer GmbH.

Digital finance and mobile payments already account for a material chunk of retail financial transactions. Fintech adoption rates are rising in all major markets. With this comes a scramble for a share of the profits, market share and control of technological bottlenecks. In recent years, Big Tech has made steady inroads into financial services. Tech giants are using their ecosystems, technological advantages and access to large amounts of data to increase their foothold in the financial industry. Can the Digital Markets Act (DMA) shift the balance of power in this competition? All signs point to yes: The DMA creates unprecedented commercial opportunities, especially for digital and mobile payment providers and banks. These include access to data and interfaces such as NFC chips in mobile devices, safeguards ensuring non-discriminatory placement and other entry points into the ecosystems of digital gatekeepers. Some notable players are already gearing up to launch new products and reap the 'DMA dividend'. Our briefing explains which doors the DMA opens up for digital finance.

2026 marks the year of implementation and strategic recalibration for many of the regulatory projects initiated under the previous Commission. Key regulations shift from concept to enforcement and transition to practical compliance obligations for the consumer goods and retail industry: Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, sustainability and transparency requirements will become binding, and the Empowering Consumers Directive imposes stricter standards on packaging design and environmental claims.