The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee announced this week its plan to vote on the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (S. 2292), antitrust legislation that would impose obligations on certain online platforms regarding the treatment of their own goods and services relative to competing services on their platform. This will be the third antitrust bill
Senate Rules Reform: No Middle Ground Between Modest Changes and Majority Rules
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is trying to modify the Senate’s Rules so that voting rights legislation can pass with just support from 50 Democratic Senators. It is clear that all of the Senate’s 50 Republicans take issue with the need for any Rules reform at all. And though formal changes to the Senate’s
Will Biden deliver on his commitment to Africa in 2022?
When he was running to win the White House, President Joe Biden’s campaign committed to implement a “bold strategy” toward Africa, and one that would be based on a “mutually respectful engagement” and a reinvigorated diplomacy, if elected. Indeed, the campaign was the first-ever to outline how it would promote the interests of the African
The Commission has revised its communication on the Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest (“IPCEI”)
On 25 November 2021, the Commission adopted its revised Communication on the Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest (“IPCEI”). This is particularly relevant for companies who have breakthrough innovative projects and need to seek public support
Brexit and 2022: What changes can we expect to see?
PM Boris Johnson is under political pressure over a number of issues, including the UK’s response to Covid and the potential for the NHS to become overwhelmed; the looming cost of living crisis (a combination of tax rises, inflation and rising energy costs); and disquiet over allegations of sleaze and corruption that have recently bedeviled
New California Law Restricts Confidentiality Provisions in Employment Settlement, Separation, and Nondisclosure Agreements
Governor Newsom recently signed into law SB 331 to impose a number of new restrictions on employment settlement, separation, and nondisclosure agreements. Here’s an overview of the new requirements, which apply to agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2022:
First, for settlement agreements involving claims of harassment or discrimination based on any protected class or
The EU, The UK and The Northern Ireland Protocol (again!)
The Background
In 1998, the UK and The Republic of Ireland signed the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) bringing to an end 30 years of conflict in N Ireland. The GFA was possible at least in part because both the UK and Ireland were Member States of the EU, meaning there were no external borders to
New Infection Protection Act in Germany: Home office obligation and 3G in the workplace
To view the German translation, click here.
On November 24, 2021, the new Infection Protection Act (IfSG) came into force. Employers will again be required to offer work from home (home office) for office workplaces or comparable activities (Section 28b (4) IfSG) and to apply the 3G (Vaccinated, Recovered, Tested) regulation in the workplace
Anti-Money Laundering Agenda in Germany
On 24 November 2021, the potential new German coalition government consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and the Liberal Party (FDP) published its “Coalition Agreement 2021 – 2025: Coalition for Freedom, Justice and Sustainability”. The agenda includes important initiatives relating to money laundering prevention in Germany and the
How the Biden Administration can Make AGOA More Effective
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has served as the cornerstone of the U.S.-Africa commercial relationship for more than two decades but it is set to expire on September 30, 2025. While the legislation’s unilateral trade preferences have provided economic benefits for countries across sub-Saharan Africa, AGOA as a whole remains underutilized. To ensure