Finance & Trade

Significant Expansion of Corporate Sustainability Reporting for Companies Active in the EU

March 15, 2023

Since coming into full force in January 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has significantly expanded the existing EU regime for non-financial disclosure requirements currently governed by the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), requiring large public and private companies with activities in the EU (including U.S. entities) to report on how their business model affects their sustainability, and on how external sustainability factors influence their activities.
Biden splits EU’s top ranks over China

March 15, 2023

As pressure mounts from U.S. President Joe Biden to take a more aggressive stance towards China, a split is emerging amongst European Union leaders over the bloc’s policy towards Beijing with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen siding with Washington, while Council chief Charles Michel wants to avoid confrontation.
EU Commission, Council of EU and EU Parliament Ban TikTok over Security Concerns

March 01, 2023

Following the recent TikTok ban in the European Commission and Council of EU, The European Parliament has now banned the use of the social media app on staff devices and strongly recommend that MEPs delete it from their personal phones over increasing security concerns with China.
Europe’s Energy In Good Shape Despite Cutting Russian Supplies

February 17, 2023

According to the European Commission assessment, despite early fears of energy shortages caused by eliminating Russian pipeline supplies, Europe is on course to get through winter with its vital gas storage facilities more than half full, keeping EU economies on track.
Financial Firms in UK and the EU Under Pressure to Comply with Diverging ESG Rules

February 13, 2023

Despite global standard-setters' best efforts to create universal ESG standards, firms will likely need to adapt to an increasingly different set of requirements in the UK versus Europe.
The European Commission Proposes Exit of 27 Member States from ECT

February 08, 2023

The European Commission has proposed a the exit of all 27 member states from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), which covers the main aspects of trade in energy goods, investment, transit and efficiency, arguing that an « unmodernised ECT » is not in line with the EU’s policy on investment protection or the European Green Deal.
EU Launches 70 projects to Rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative

January 25, 2023

The European Union has set up 70 International infrastructure projects with their Global Gateway Program, who goal is to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including a digital cable under the Black Sea and a submarine optical fiber cable to connect the Mediterranean and Northern African countries.
European Culture Ministers Launch Alliance for Climate-Friendly Cities

January 17, 2023

Swiss government has announced that CULTURE ministers from across Europe have launched the new “Davos Baukultur Alliance” for the preservation and development of quality, sustainable and culturally relevant buildings and cities.
EU Set to Propose Net-Zero Industry Act to Compete with U.S. Green Subsidies

January 17, 2023

Following the release of the United States green subsidy package, Ursula von den Leyen has announced that the European Commission will set a Net-Zero Industry Act highlighting clean technology objectives for 2030.
TikTok Warned to Keep to EU Rules

January 11, 2023

TikTok, who has come under scrutiny in the West has been warned by the EU that the social media company must comply with EU laws on date sharing to respect European users and regain confidence.