#French Financial Markets Authority
The Bolloré group is appealing the decision of the French Financial Markets Authority that requires it to buy back all Vivendi shares.
On 18 July, the French Financial Markets Authority (“AMF”) ruled that the Bolloré Group must launch a mandatory takeover bid within six months for the Vivendi shares it does not yet own, as its stake in Vivendi exceeds 30%, the threshold under French law that triggers such an obligation. At the end of 2024, Vivendi was split into four listed entities (Canal+, Havas, Louis Hachette Group, and the holding company) to avoid this requirement. This week, the Bolloré Group announced it is appealing the AMF’s decision, which could potentially lead to the group’s delisting from the stock exchange. Additionally, Bolloré SE is under investigation by the European Commission for possible violations of EU competition rules related to its acquisition of Lagardère, due to exerting control before the operation was authorized. > Read article
#European Arrest Warrant, Extradition & Interpol
Syria: Arrest warrant for former president Bashar al-Assad quashed by France’s Court of Cassation
In a ruling issued on 25 July 2025, the French Court of Cassation annulled the arrest warrant issued in November 2023 against Bashar al-Assad, reaffirming the absolute nature of the personal immunity granted to sitting heads of state. This decision overturns the June 2024 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had held that the crimes attributed to Assad did not fall within the scope of official presidential functions, and rejects the position of the Prosecutor General based on France’s diplomatic non-recognition of Assad since 2012. However, the Court clarified that Assad’s immunity ceased with the fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024. New arrest warrants may now be issued against him. Furthermore, the Court acknowledged that foreign state representatives can be prosecuted in France for international crimes. It thus confirmed the indictment of Adib Mayaleh, former governor of the Syrian Central Bank and former Minister of Economy, paving the way for similar proceedings against other Syrian officials. > Read article
#White collar crime
In Greece, a huge scandal involving the misappropriation of European funds is shakes the government
Greece is facing a large-scale fraud case involving European agricultural subsidies, with former ministers and members of the ruling party accused of misappropriating nearly €290 million. The scheme is believed to have relied on a broad interpretation of eligibility criteria for pasture land, along with false declarations concerning public land. The irregularities were uncovered by an employee of Opekepe, the agency responsible for managing agricultural aid. However, her whistleblowing reportedly led to her being sidelined. An investigation has been launched by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and OLAF. > Read article
Ukraine Awaits a Crucial Parliamentary Vote on the Sensitive Issue of Anti-Corruption Reform
A wave of protests has shaken Ukraine since 22 July, following the enactment of a law undermining the independence of two key anti-corruption institutions. In response, a new draft law aimed at restoring the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has been submitted to Parliament. The contested law placed these agencies under the authority of the Prosecutor General, a figure close to the executive branch, raising concerns about the integrity of ongoing investigations. Several local media outlets reported that individuals close to the president were under scrutiny by anti-corruption bodies – an element that may have accelerated the initial reform. The new bill, drafted with input from the leadership of the affected agencies, is scheduled for debate on 31 July. However, its adoption remains uncertain, as a number of members of Parliament are themselves reportedly under investigation. > Read article
