Roland M Stein

EU releases 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia and Belarus - Overview of Key Measures

On 23 October 2025, the EU introduced new sanctions on Russia and Belarus targeting the energy, financial, and trade sectors. The measures ban Russian LNG, major oil companies, financial and crypto operations, and AI services, extending to third-country actors aiding evasion.

Last Minute Snapback Sanctions Against Iran Reinstated

After the expiry of the 30-day deadline triggered by the snapback mechanism against Iran, the UN and the EU immediately extended their sanctions significantly. This adds a further piece to the mosaic of international sanctions, which is often already perceived as complex by business operators.

Die neuen chinesischen Erklärungen - Das verschärfte chinesische Exportkontrollrecht

Seit Dezember 2024 gilt in China eine verschärfte Exportkontrollverordnung für Dual-Use-Güter. Neue Regeln zur Re-Exportkontrolle und Endverbleibserklärungen stellen europäische Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen. Strenge Pflichten und Rechtsunsicherheiten erhöhen die Compliance-Risiken.

Deutsches Sanktionsstrafrecht wird europäischer

Der BMWE-Referentenentwurf vom 14.08.2025 setzt die EU-Richtlinie 2024/1226 um. Er novelliert die §§ 18, 19 AWG und § 82 AWV, konkretisiert Straftatbestände, erweitert Meldepflichten, erhöht Bußgelder bis 40 Mio. €, schärft Sanktionsverstöße und schafft Ausnahmen für humanitäre Hilfe.

Caught in the Middle Third-Country Exporters and the EU–US Trade Deal

The EU and US announced a new trade initiative to abolish tariffs on US industrial goods. Still only political and non‑binding, it signals deepening ties but may breach WTO MFN rules, disadvantaging other exporters like Brazil, India, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea, who must monitor and adapt.

The EU’s 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia and Belarus - Key Measures and Recent Case Law

On 18 July 2025, the EU adopted its 18th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus, expanding trade, energy, and financial restrictions. New measures target oil imports, software, and banking, while strengthening anti-circumvention tools and extending individual listings.

EU-Mercosur Agreement on Sustainability

This edition highlights the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter of the Agreement, which aims to integrate sustainable development into the Parties’ trade and investment relationship.

BLOMSTEIN Advised Xerox on its Acquisition of Lexmark

BLOMSTEIN assisted Xerox Holdings Corporation on German foreign direct investment control aspects relating its acquisition of Lexmark International, Inc. The deal valued at USD 1.5 billion was completed on July 1.

EU-Mercosur Agreement on Public Procurement

This briefing is the fourth 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.

EU-Mercosur Agreement on Trade in Services Balancing market access and the right to regulate

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.

EU - Mercosur Agreement on Trade in Goods Securing long-term market access

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.

BLOMSTEIN Supports Summit Partners on Sale of ELATEC Shares

€ 330 Million Deal in the Security Tech Sector

BLOMSTEIN Advised IDI on Investment in Intersoft Electronics Group

Transaction Advisory in the Aerospace and Defence Sector

EU trade agreement with Mercosur Advancing trade liberalisation amid rising protectionism

After more than two decades of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement has taken a significant step closer to becoming a reality. The partnership agreement will only come into force after completion by each Party of its internal approval procedures (ratification process).

KI in der Exportkontrolle und im Zollrecht - Anwendungsmöglichkeiten

In der unternehmensinterne Compliance wird Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) zunehmend eingesetzt. Die rechtlichen Herausforderungen, die dabei berücksichtigt werden müssen, haben wir bereits in unserem Briefing „KI in internen Untersuchungen“ aufgezeigt.

Anti-Coercion Instrument The “bazooka” of the European Union to shield EU industry

In response to the U.S.’ action, EU officials are exploring diplomatic negotiations to address these tariffs. Additionally, the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument provides a robust mechanism to counteract such economic pressures. This briefing examines the ACI’s framework, procedures, and potential.

KI in internen Untersuchungen

Auf grundlegende technologische Innovationen folgen oft spezialisierte Anwendungen – so seit einigen Jahren auch im Bereich der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI). KI gewinnt auch für interne Untersuchungen zunehmend an Bedeutung.

EU – US Trade War - 8 tips for business strategies

In times of escalating trade wars, businesses face significant challenges due to increased tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainties. To navigate these complexities, we have put together 8 strategies business can apply while highlighting potential risks.

US Tariffs Spark EU Countermeasures - What Businesses Need to Know

Already the first Trump administration has restricted international trade by imposing tariffs of up to 25% on imports of steel and aluminium from the European Union (EU), provoking countermeasures by the EU.

BLOMSTEIN Supports DiliTrust in Acquiring PACTA - Merger in the Legal Tech Sector

BLOMSTEIN, together with lindenpartners, supported DiliTrust, a leading CLM pro-vider in Europe, on its acquisition of the legal tech startup PACTA. The BLOMSTEIN team, led by Roland Stein and Anna Huttenlauch, advised on investment control and merger control aspects of this transaction.

The EU’s Trade Defence Arsenal - How can the EU stand its ground between Trump and China?

The EU has equipped itself with various trade defence instruments (TDIs) to protect its economy from unmanageable import surges, unfair foreign state support and to address impairment of its access to foreign markets.

EU and U.S. Sanctions against Russia - EU’s 16th Sanctions Package and Outlook for U.S. Sanctions

On the third anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has once again tightened its sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus. The most important amendments concern Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (the Russia Regulation) and Regula-tion (EC) No 765/2006 (the Belarus Regulation).

EU Simplification Package - CSRD, CSDDD and CBAM under revision

On 26 February 2025, the European Commission presented its long-awaited Omnibus package, purportedly aimed at simplifying a range of EU regulations. The revisions respond to mounting pressure from businesses and governments.

Das Europäische Amt für Betrugsbekämpfung (OLAF) – Mandat, Zahlen und Fakten

Das Europäische Amt für Betrugsbekämpfung ist ein Amt der Europäischen Kommission, das dem Kommissar für Steuern und Zollunion zugeordnet ist. Bei der Wahrnehmung seines Untersuchungsmandats handelt das OLAF jedoch völlig unabhängig. Es wird derzeit vom Generaldirektor Ville Itälä geleitet.

Ready, Set, Bid: The Race for the Second H2Global Auction has Started

This auction represents a pivotal opportunity for market participants to secure their position in the evolving hydrogen economy. This phase presents a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to engage early, refine their strategies, and shape the final terms of the auction.

Security & defence in the election campaign - Key takeaways for the defence industry

New federal parliament elections are due to be held in Germany on 23 February 2025. In light of the multiple international challenges, national security and defence is one of the key issues. This briefing provides an overview of the content of the election manifestos of the main political parties.

Erleichterung des Exports von Dual-Use Software - 4. Maßnahmenpaket des BAFA

Zielsetzung des Maßnahmenpaketes ist es, durch die Erweiterung bestehender bzw. die Einführung neuer allgemeiner Genehmigungen zur Ausfuhr bzw. Verbringung bestimmter Rüstungs- und Dual-Use-Güter die Anzahl anhängiger Genehmigungsanträge beim BAFA deutlich zu verringern.

EU Competitiveness Compass: How can competition, international trade and public procurement help?

In this challenging economic and political climate, enhancing the competitiveness of European businesses and reinforcing the resilience of the Single Market have become key political priorities, as outlined in the European Council's Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal.

Trump's Trade Policy - An overview of an exceptionally fast-moving subject

Donald Trump is once again president of the United States. Reactions and expectations range from optimism, driven by hopes for an antiregulatory agenda, to fears of a trade war with China.

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.