#Duty of Vigilance and Human Rights:
Friedrich Merz calls for European law on corporate duty of care to be dropped
On 9 May, at a press conference in Brussels, the new German Chancellor called for the withdrawal of European regulations imposing a corporate duty of care. He considers that the European Commission’s announcement in February 2025 to postpone by one year the obligation to transpose the “CS3D” directive to be insufficient, as it does not constitute a “sustainable solution”. Friedrich Merz is therefore in favor of simplifying European environmental standards. > Read article
#Export control & International sanctions:
Iran nuclear: new US sanctions against Tehran despite ongoing negotiations
The United States announced new sanctions against Iran in connection with the development of its nuclear research program, in a press release issued on May 12. Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, criticized Iran for continuing to conduct dual-use research, both civil and military, in violation of the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the two countries. In response, the United States has decided to freeze the assets of three senior officials and scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear research program. > Read article
EU Approves 17th Package of Sanctions Against Russia, Targeting “Ghost” Oil Tankers
The European Union has adopted a 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 new so-called “ghost” oil tankers. These vessels, often outdated and unregistered, are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil. In total, 345 ships are now targeted. Around thirty entities accused of aiding Russia are also being sanctioned. These measures come in addition to potential sanctions if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv. The Ukrainian president is calling for even stronger pressure on Russia. > Read article
#Financial Markets Authority (AMF) litigation:
Crypto assets: the AMF applies six sets of guidelines drawn up by European supervisory authorities in connection with the MiCA regulation
On 12 May, the AMF announced that it would comply with a set of guidelines proposed by the European authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the European “MiCA” regulation, which aims to ensure the supervision and harmonization of crypto asset services within the EU. The AMF will apply five guidelines adopted by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), notably concerning the conditions and criteria for qualifying crypto-assets as financial instruments, the transfer of crypto-assets and security access protocols. The AMF will also adopt the explanatory models and classification tests” defined by the European banking and insurance supervisory authorities. > Read article
