BLOMSTEIN

Aktuelle Entwicklungen im Bereich der Freihandel- und Präferenzabkommen der EU

In Freihandels- und Präferenzabkommen stecken großes wirtschaftliches Potenzial. Gerade für international ausgerichtete Unternehmen eröffnen sie die Möglichkeit, Zollkosten und andere Export- und Importbeschränkungen zu reduzieren.

Keine Umgehung von Zöllen durch Produktionsverlagerung - Die Harley-Davidson Entscheidung des EuGH

Der Europäische Gerichtshof hat am 21. November 2024 eine weitreichende Entscheidung zur zollrechtlichen Bewertung von Produktionsverlagerungen getroffen (Harley-Davidson Europe – C-297/23 P).

No circumvention of EU tariffs by relocating production - The Harley-Davidson decision of the CJEU

On 21 November, the European Court of Justice (CJEU) issued a far-reaching ruling on the legal treatment of production relocations under the Union Customs Code (Harley-Davidson Europe – C-297/23 P).

International Investment Protection and FDI Screening

In 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.

Geld für den Verteidigungssektor - Start-ups, Staatsgeld und strategische Investitionen

Der 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.

International Investment Law and Russian Countersanctions - Countering the Counterstrike?

In this third briefing on International Investment Law (IIL), we examine how IIL and investor-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.

Cross-Border Military Deals - EU Procurement Law Exemption for Government-to-Government Contracts

Government-to-government (G2G) contracts represent a popular tool among EU Member States to procure defence equipment and other sensitive goods as well as related works and services, such as capacity training or maintenance and logistical support.

International Investment Law and the EU’s Economic Sanctions on Russia

In 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.

EUDR Extension in the Balance - A Key Decision Still Pending

On 14 November, the European Parliament voted in favor of a 12-month postponement for the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Happy Birthday, Foreign Subsidies Regulation - Key takeaways from the European Commission’s practice

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation’s (FSR) concentration and public procurement tool came into force one year ago in October 2023. In this briefing, we provide an overview of the most important FSR rules and the lessons learned from their first application.

International Investment Law - Unpacking a Dynamic Regime

Foreign 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.

H2Global Expands - Both Local and Global: New H2 Auctions Catalyse International Hydrogen Market

As the global shift to sustainable energy continues to gather pace, the European hydrogen market offers unprecedented opportunities. Recent developments in Germany and the European Union highlight strategic advances in both production and infrastructure.

BLOMSTEIN berät Outlast Gruppe beim Verkauf an Sunwin

BLOMSTEIN hat den Hersteller für textile Hochleistungsmaterialien Outlast Techno-logies GmbH bei seinem Verkauf an den chinesischen Textilhersteller Shanghai Sunwin Industry Group Co., Ltd. zu investitionskontrollrechtlichen Aspekten beraten.

EU-only in Defence Procurement?- New developments hinder non-EU companies in defence sector

After many years in the shadows, the European defence industry has returned to the political agenda since Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. One of the ways to strengthen the domestic industry is to favour EU companies in defence procurement by EU Member States.

Damages in Defence Procurements - Dawn of a new era thanks to recent ECJ ruling?

A recent decision brings new life to the question of compensation for unlawful conduct by the German MOD in Defence Procurements.

No more empty shelves? - Competition Law as the new wonder weapon

Empty supermarket shelves are an image German consumers have become quite used to over the recent years. Haribo gummy bears were no longer for sale at Lidl for a while, Dr. Oetker's pizza could not be shopped in Kaufland freezers and Mars stopped delivering EDEKA for a long t

BLOMSTEIN unterstützt Join Capital bei Investment in Quantenkommunikation

Series-A-Finanzierungsrunde für Quantum Optics Jena Bei der Series-A-Finanzierungsrunde des Startups Quantum Optics Jena GmbH mit einem Gesamtvolumen von 8,5 Mio. Euro hat BLOMSTEIN gemeinsam mit lindenpart-ners den VC-Fond und Lead-Investor Join Capital erfolgreich unterstützt.

Fallstricke in Förderverfahren - Chancen nutzen und Risiken vermeiden

In diesem Briefing werden vier Fallstricke dargestellt, die im Zuwendungs- und Beihilferecht immer wieder zu Problemen führen. Nur wer diesen aus dem Weg geht, kann die Chancen staatlicher Förderung voll ausnutzen.

EU corporate sustainability framework - What Non-EU Businesses Need to Know

This briefing is the seventh and last in a series on the CSDDD. In this briefing, we examine the key considerations with respect to the EU’s corporate sustainability package for companies operating outside the EU but that have business ties in the EU.

Empowering SMEs - David vs. Goliath: Collaborative Strategies for SMEs

The rise of digital business models has reshaped retail landscapes worldwide, fostering significant consolidation within various markets. Online platforms and e-commerce giants have leveraged their vast resources, extensive reach, and sophisticated data analytics to dominate market segments.

CSDDD and Green Claims Directive - Securing Consumer Welfare, Enhancing Corporate Sustainability

This briefing is the sixth in a series on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). In this briefing, we explore the main goals of the upcoming Green Claims Directive (GCD) and draw a parallel with the CSDDD.

Free Riding - Here We Go? - Is the ECJ’s judgement the end of narrow parity clauses?

Getting a free ride is not always easy and can be a long and bumpy journey. The recent judgment in the Booking.com case is a testament to this. Below, we summarize the twists and turns of this landmark case.

CSDDD and Forced Labour Regulation - Common Goals, Reinforcing Approaches

This briefing is the fifth in a series on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). In today’s briefing we explore the main points of convergence and differences be-tween the CSDDD and the upcoming Forced Labour Regulation.

Sanctions 101 - A Survival Guide for IT and Software Companies

Not only the EU has tightened its sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The US has also imposed additional restrictions with a particular focus on certain hardware, software, and services. However, many of these new US restrictions have been part of the EU sanctions in one form or another.

CSDDD and CSRD - Spot the Difference!

In today’s briefing we explore the main differences and points of convergence of the CSDDD and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), particularly which companies might be affected by both and how to reconcile them.

EUDR on the Horizon - Lost in the woods? BMEL tries to guide you

Starting December 30, 2024, the provisions of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) will apply to large and medium enterprise operators.

CSDDD and EUDR - Crafting an Integrated Compliance Strategy

In today’s briefing we explore the main differences and points of convergence of the CSDDD and the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR), particularly which companies might be affected by both and how to leverage synergies when implementing compliance procedures.

Same, Same but Different — How the CSDDD Differs from the German LkSG

This briefing addresses the key aspects that (in)directly affect businesses both within and outside the EU, explore its interplay with the existing legislation in Germany and examine interactions with other recently adopted acts of EU legislation, which partially establish overlapping obligations.

CSDDD Unpacked — Steering Corporations Towards Sustainable Practices

This briefing is the first in a series on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) that BLOMSTEIN will be publishing over the coming weeks.

Avoiding “Gun Jumping” in M&A — Compliance with German Merger Control and FDI Rules

In the world of high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, even the best-laid plans can falter. Just ask Illumina and GRAIL, who recently found themselves at the center of an unprecedented European Commission fine — EUR 432 million, no less — for allegedly “jumping the gun.”