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EC Plans Global Application of Data Rules
February 15, 2018
David Schrieberg writes that the European Commission (EC) is planning to apply its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), coming into force in May this year, to foreign companies providing goods and services to citizens of EU member states and to ensure future trade and investment deals require compliance with the GDPR.
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EU Officials Plan for Lengthy Brexit Transition
February 15, 2018
Reuters reports that EU officials involved in negotiations over the UK's departure from the bloc believe that a planned transition period after Brexit during which Britain would remain subject to EU rules and potentially to judgments of the Court of Justice of the EU is likely to last significantly longer than the two years proposed by UK leaders.
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British PM Seeks Regulatory Divergence After Brexit Transition
February 15, 2018
Politico reports that, according to officials in the UK government, British Prime Minister Theresa May is formulating a plan for the immediate divergence of the UK from EU rules and policies after a proposed post-Brexit transition period in the areas of agricultural subsidies, financial services, and trade policy.
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EU Watchdog Criticizes Council's Lack of Transparency
February 14, 2018
European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has issued a report calling for increased transparency in the Council of the EU's decision-making on legislative proposals, finding that the current "behind-closed-doors" process "constitutes maladministration" and "undermines citizens’ right to hold their elected representatives to account."
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Howe Warns of High Costs of Brexit Transition
February 14, 2018
British barrister Martin Howe QC warns that a post-Brexit transition period during which the UK plans to continue to accept EU regulations could lead to the country becoming a "vassal state" with no say over the development of the rules it accepts on tariffs and industry, and with no powers to formulate an independent trade policy.