This briefing is the third in a series on the EU-Mercosur agreement, where BLOMSTEIN addresses key provisions with respect to Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Public Procurement, Competition and Sustainability, and outlines implications and opportunities for businesses.

In this release, we focus on the Agreement’s core provisions related to Trade in Services, particularly the commitments framework, national treatment and limitations. In 2023, the EU exported €28.5 billion in services to Mercosur, while Mercosur’s service exports to the EU amounted to €13.1 billion. The Agreement is expected to significantly boost this bilateral exchange. For the EU in particular, the agreement presents expanded opportunities in strategic sectors such as business services, financial services, telecommunications, maritime transport, and postal and courier services.

This briefing is the second in a series on the EU-Mercosur agreement, where BLOMSTEIN addresses its key provisions with respect to Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Public Procurement, Competition and Sustainability, and outline implications and opportunities for businesses.

In this release, we focus on the Agreement’s core provisions with respect to Trade in Goods, particularly tariff elimination schedules, safeguards for impacted sectors and rules of origin.

BLOMSTEIN advised US investment firm Summit Partners on German foreign direct investment control aspects relating the sale of its shares in ELATEC to leading security and solutions provider Allegion plc. The transaction is valued at €330 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.

BLOMSTEIN assisted French listed investment company IDI on German foreign direct investment control aspects relating the acquisition of a majority stake in radar technology specialist Intersoft Electronics Group (IE). The transaction was carried out as a secondary leveraged buyout in close partnership with the existing management team.

After more than two decades of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement  has taken a significant step closer to becoming a reality. Last December, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her counterparts from four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) announced they reached a political agreement on the matter. However, the partnership agreement will only come into force after completion by each Party of its internal approval procedures (ratification process).

“We are no longer at peace – we are under daily attack.” – Lieutenant General André Bodemann

Germany is increasingly the target of low-threshold (hybrid) attacks. These range from disinformation and espionage to sabotage. Critical infrastructure is frequently affected – such as energy and water supply, transportation, and information and communication technology. As a result, the resilience of companies, particularly those operating critical infrastructure, is coming into sharper focus in legal regulations. This is reason enough to examine to what extent businesses in Germany are currently and will in the future be held responsible for protecting themselves against such attacks and responding appropriately.

At the Competition and Public Procurement Dialogue hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Architects, the final report of the joint procurement monitoring project was presented. BLOMSTEIN has been working alongside the Berlin Chamber of Architects for many years to advocate for a more competition-friendly approach to the procurement of architectural and planning services in Berlin.

Amid escalating global trade tensions, the European Union (EU) faces significant challenges as U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs impacting EU exports and sending shockwaves to the capital markets. A 20% tariff on all EU imports starting April 5, 2025 were introduced. These measures are claimed to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing. As an affected company, you can check this list of exempted products not subject to the 20% additional tariffs. However, please be aware that some of these products are subject to their own tariffs, such as the 25% tariff on imported automobiles and automobile parts.

We continue to grow and strengthen our team with outstanding talent. As of July 1, 2025, Christopher Wolters and Leonard Freiherr von Rummel will become partners; Ramona Ader, Laura Louca and Philipp Trube will join the counsel ranks. With these promotions, we foster continuous, organic growth and strong individual development opportunities for all career levels across all practice groups.

As part of the Omnibus package (see our briefing here), the EU Commission suggested simplifications and improvements to the CBAM Regulation. The proposal aims to simplify and enhance the cost-efficiency of the CBAM Regulation while ensuring that its environmental objectives and core design principles remain intact. Key measures focus on easing compliance for importers by streamlining reporting requirements, particularly those involving complex calculations and extensive data collection.

Before the EU proposals become legally binding, they must go through the ordinary legislative procedure at the European level. Until this is achieved, every importer of CBAM goods should register as an authorized CBAM declarant in the CBAM registry, which is possible since 31 March 2025. We outline the details.