Explained European Union
The European Commission has published a Questions and Answers document in Strasbourg regarding pre-enlargement policy reviews, describing EU enlargement as a strategic investment in peace, security, and prosperity in Europe.
Legal Update European Union
On September 17, 2026, the European Data Protection Board adopted draft guidelines establishing a five-step methodology for data protection authorities to impose administrative fines under the GDPR, alongside the final version of guidelines governing…
Explained European Union
Guidance from the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) outlines the conditions under which victims of personal data breaches can obtain financial compensation under Article 82 GDPR and French law, highlighting the distinct roles of…
Explained European Union
In a speech at the ESRB's 15th anniversary conference, ECB Vice-President Boris Vujčić rejected calls to lower bank capital requirements, arguing that strong balance sheets underpin competitiveness while advocating for regulatory simplification and Single…
Legal Update Cross-Border
In September 2026, WTO members held dedicated reform sessions addressing foundational principles, decision-making, development, and level playing field issues. General Council Chair Clare Kelly and four facilitators reported steady progress, with discussions set to…
Legal Update China Hong Kong SAR
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that the Development Bureau will submit proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance in 2026 to increase penalties for substandard construction. He also detailed progress on task forces…
Explained European Union
Frank Elderson, Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank, outlined the ECB's risk-based supervision framework. The strategy combines procedural simplification for low-severity findings with forceful escalation—including potential capital requirements and periodic…
Legal Update European Union
The European Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the European standardisation system, aiming to accelerate standards development, boost SME representation, and strengthen EU competitiveness and strategic interests.
Legal Update European Union
The European Commission has registered a European Citizens' Initiative titled 'Creation of a European Digital Space (.IA) for Sovereign AI Governance'.
Legal Update Cross-Border Hong Kong SAR
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has introduced an enrolment service for the upcoming collaborative inspection and joint clearance mode at the redeveloped Huanggang Port, enabling eligible Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors to complete…
Legal Update European Union
The European Central Bank Governing Council published its regular record of non-interest-rate decisions. Key developments include amending Eurosystem monetary policy and valuation haircut guidelines, designating the Visa Europe Payment System as a systemically important…
Explained European Union
In a speech on 6 October 2026, ECB Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone outlined the Eurosystem's strategy to extend central bank money into retail and wholesale digital finance while preserving the two-tier banking model.