EU

On 30 September 2019, following a parliamentary vetting process held in the Trade Committee of the European Parliament, Phil Hogan obtained preliminary approval to become the EU’s new Trade Commissioner. During his speech, Hogan manifested his intent to advance a proposed international procurement agreement to gain leverage vis-à-vis Beijing. More

On 1 October 2019, the European Commission adopted ten ecodesign implementing regulations, setting out energy efficiency and other requirements for product groups which include refrigerators and electronic displays (such as televisions). Eight of the new regulations revise already existing requirements, whereas refrigerators with a direct sales function and welding equipment are being regulated for the first time. More

On 19 September 2019 the General Court of the European Union (“General Court”) issued a judgement dismissing an action for annulment filed by Zhejiang Jndia Pipeline Industry Co. Ltd (“Zhejiang Jndia”) against Commission Implementing Regulation 2017/141 of 26 January 2017 imposing definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, whether or not finished, originating in mainland China and Taiwan. More

In a landmark judgement, the UK Supreme Court has ruled on 24 September 2019 that the decision to prorogue (suspend) the UK Parliament was unlawful, throwing the departure of the UK from the EU into deeper uncertainty. More