On 29 September, the European Commission launched a call for feedback on its plans for new trade tools that would strengthen the EU’s trade diversification and economic resilience. The initiative is intended to address situations where a high level of strategic dependence on a single supplier country creates a risk to the EU’s security of
Overview of EU and UK Regulatory Developments relating to Autonomous Vehicles
Driverless and autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) are moving from test tracks and pilot schemes to commercial deployment around the world. In the U.S. and China, robotaxi fleets and autonomous trucking services are proliferating. Similar developments are happening in the EU and UK. In London, the first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service launched in early September 2026, with…
President von der Leyen’s 2026 State of the Union Address – Decoding the Competition and Foreign Investment Implications
On September 16, 2026, European Commission President von der Leyen opened her annual State of the Union address with the warning that “[a] fight for industrial capacities is shaping global competition”. Her speech indicated how the European Commission intends to respond to concerns about European competitiveness and economic security. Those priorities already appear in reforms…
President Trump Signs Legislation Authorizing Russia-Related Tariffs and Additional Sanctions
On September 18, President Trump signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (the “Graham Act” or the “Act”), which passed both the House and Senate with substantial bipartisan majorities. The law is named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC), who originally introduced the bill…
UK Adopts New Iran Sanctions and Announces Measures Relating to Israeli Settlements
This alert summarizes recent developments in relation to the UK sanctions.
First, the UK introduced a substantial expansion of its Iran sanctions regime, including new trade, financial and transport restrictions. These measures are scheduled to enter into force on 29 September 2026.
Second, the UK announced a new package of measures targeting certain Israeli settlements…
CCPA Cyber Audits: Why Companies Should Prepare Now
California’s new cybersecurity audit requirements under the CCPA are approaching, and companies that collect or process California residents’ personal information should be preparing now. Covington has been helping clients navigate these requirements in real time and has developed practical readiness materials, scoping frameworks, and benchmarking insights that companies can leverage when doing so. In this…
Brazilian Government Opens Consultation on Regulatory Oversight of Data Privacy and Online Protection
Brazil’s National Data Protection Agency (“ANPD”) launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its regulatory oversight framework, reflecting the agency’s expanding role in overseeing data protection, online safety, and digital platforms.
Click here to read the full alert on cov.com.
California Passes Bill to Create State Seal for “Non-Ultraprocessed” Foods
On August 28, 2026, the California Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2244 (AB 2244) to establish a voluntary state certification program for non-ultraprocessed foods (non-UPF). Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30, 2026, to sign or veto the measure. If enacted, AB 2244 would direct the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to develop a…
Section 338 Tariffs on Canada Take Effect as Canada Announces Retaliatory Response
Executive Summary
On August 22, 2026, U.S. tariffs of 50 percent imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1338) took effect against a range of imports from Canada, including chemicals, prepared food and beverages, plastics, metal items, machinery, cosmetics, wood and paper products, industrial equipment, and electronics and telecommunication…
From Diarra to FIFA’s New Player Transfer System: How EU Law is Reshaping Football’s Transfer Rules and Governance
By Toni Pitesa
For more than twenty years, FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (“RSTP”) have sought to balance the stability of football teams with player mobility. That balance was fundamentally challenged by the European Court of Justice (“ECJ” or the “Court”) in Case C-650/22 FIFA v Diarra (“Diarra”).
Less than two years…