Public Prosecutor Investigates Berlin’s “Russia House”

The European Commission has proposed replacing the EU's three core procurement directives with a single, directly applicable Regulation that would fundamentally reshape how companies compete for public contracts across Member States. The reform introduces mandatory quality criteria thresholds, embeds ESG considerations as evaluation factors, and establishes new security and European-preference provisions that could restrict participation based on ownership, supply chain exposure, and strategic dependencies.

Germany has adopted the new Act for Critical Facilities (KRITIS Dachgesetz) (the Act) (available here, German only), which entered into force on March 17 , 2026. It implements the Critical Entities...

A leaked draft of a standalone German Investment Screening Act (the “IPG”) has been circulating for a few days – offering a first concrete glimpse into the planned overhaul of Germany's FDI regime.

The various aspects of compliance are high on the agenda of both the economic and political players in Germany. Most recently, the German government has approved a draft legislation for stricter rules on anti money laundering.

Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt regional elections, winning nearly 44% of the vote and dealing a severe blow to the ruling Christian Democratic Union. The election results are creating political instability that could weaken Berlin's leadership role in the European Union and reshape the bloc's approach to critical trade, industrial policy, and China relations during a pivotal period for European policymaking.

Germany is positioning itself to become Europe's dominant military power through an extensive defense modernization program that will run through 2039. With defense spending more than doubling since 2020 and investments spanning space, AI, drones, and long-range capabilities, Berlin's military ascendance creates both opportunities and tensions with traditional European defense leaders like France and Poland.

Two analysts from Stepwise's Global Strategic Engagement Team debate whether German Chancellor Friedrich Merz can survive the political fallout from the CDU's historic regional election losses in September, or if mounting party pressure will force his resignation. Ian Cameron argues Merz will cling to power despite weakened authority, while Thomas Goldstein contends his chancellorship appears terminal.

On 10 July 2027 – one year from now – the Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 (AMLR) and the Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 (AMLAR)...

The European Commission has authorized EUR 400 million in German State aid to Sanofi to secure insulin supply within the EEA, marking a significant development in European pharmaceutical policy.

Germany is modernizing its foreign direct investment screening regime to align with EU standards by 2028. The leaked draft of the new Investment Screening Act reveals a largely familiar framework with elevated statutory protections, but introduces notable changes for EFTA investors and listed company thresholds. Will the final legislation maintain this continuity or introduce more substantial reforms as parliamentary debate unfolds?

On October 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a proposed rule (91 FR 65119; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0529) that would remove...

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.

The SEC has proposed sweeping amendments to expand retail investor access to private market strategies, including changes to performance-based compensation rules for registered investment advisers and modernization of the interval fund framework. The proposals also explore new credential-based pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, potentially opening private offerings to a broader pool of eligible participants.

On October 23, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announced an investigation into whether the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum...

PhRMA’s complaint asks the court to set the rule aside, postpone its effective date and enjoin its implementation, including through a temporary restraining order.

As artificial intelligence races forward, California employment law sprints alongside. Two new employment-related AI bills have been signed into law imposing new requirements...

In the last 3 months visa appointment wait times in Brazil have been reduced from 50 days to 15 days in Rio de Jaeiro and to 6 days in Brasilia.

On April 22, 2026, a final order issued by the acting U.S. attorney general and the Drug Enforcement Administration took effect, fundamentally altering the federal regulatory landscape for marijuana.

A protective order can preserve access to useful AI tools while protecting discovery. In Corent Technology, Inc. v. Amazon Web Services, Inc., No. 8:26-cv-00194, 2026 WL 2924482 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 26, 2026)...

A federal court in Maryland recently ruled on a consumer protection class action against Vivid Seats involving allegations of "drip pricing" - the practice of advertising ticket prices without mandatory fees that are revealed later in checkout. While the court found the company's arbitration agreement unenforceable due to its unilateral modification clause, it ultimately dismissed the lawsuit for failure to adequately allege reliance or injury under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act.