The European Commission's comprehensive report on the future of European competitiveness has identified critical challenges facing the pharmaceuticals industry as well as among a range of other sectors across Europe.

As implementation of the European Copyright Directive continues, we look at the most recent developments and at what is coming down the track...

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) initiated, and completed, the consultation process leading up to the publication - on 14 May 2024 - of its Guidelines on funds' names using ESG...

The Dutch Court of Appeal in The Hague recently delivered a landmark judgment in the case against oil giant Shell brought by six non-governmental organisations.

The CNMC submits the proposed Resolution to the public information procedure establishing the process for the management of connections of biomethane generation plants to the transport or distribution gas grid.

Early-stage companies must carefully craft employment contracts for founders and initial employees, addressing roles, remuneration, IP, confidentiality, and restrictive covenants to ensure legal protection, operational clarity, and alignment with company goals.

We have previously reported on the new statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement. This is expected to come into force in July 2024.

The government has this week published a consultation setting out its proposal to introduce "modest fees" to the Employment Tribunal (ET) and Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

This month, the developments we consider include the publication of the Pensions Regulator's long-awaited general code, some important changes relating to the recoupment...

This week we look at Ofgem's support of the ESO's latest proposals for reforming the grid connections process, RenewableUK's proposal for co-location to accelerate an integrated energy system...

The Court of Appeal's ruling in R (on the application of World Uyghur Congress) v National Crime Agency clarifies that acquiring criminal property for "adequate consideration" does not cleanse it of criminal status for subsequent parties. This has significant implications for AML compliance, requiring firms to reassess due diligence processes and potential use of Defence Against Money Laundering applications.

Businesses face increasing scrutiny on AML compliance from the FCA, HM Treasury, and other regulators. An Osborne Clarke roundtable discussed challenges including regulatory expectations, enforcement trends, risk assessments, and practical compliance issues, highlighting the need for firms to adapt and respond effectively.

There is a huge market for sustainable investment products, resulting in a growing number of products marketed as such. As this demand grows, so does the risk of "greenwashing"...

The EU AI Act, effective from 1 August 2024, mandates compliance by February 2025 for prohibited AI practices. The UK, despite omitting an AI bill from the King's Speech, signals possible future regulations. The EU's amendment to the EuroHPC Regulation facilitates AI startup access to supercomputers.

The UK government plans new Cyber Security and Resilience and Digital Information and Smart Data Bills to bolster critical infrastructure defenses. Additionally, an NCSC advisory highlights Chinese state-sponsored cyber threats, urging organizations to enhance cybersecurity measures.

The Corporate Sustainability and Human Rights Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) was established on May 24, 2024, to compel companies to promote sustainable development and progress towards sustainability actively.

This week we look at some of the energy policies of the new Labour government, the growth in renewable and low-carbon electricity generation across the EU, the development of new standardised...

Stakeholder input will influence guidelines for AI Act implementation in healthcare and medical technologies

The new Labour government has lifted the nine-year moratorium on new onshore windfarms, signaling a strong commitment to renewable energy and aiming to double onshore wind capacity to 35GW by 2030.

Following its election victory, Labour aims to balance AI innovation with creator protection, likely through a licensing framework for using copyrighted material in AI training, but specific plans remain unclear.