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In Corporate Compliance

European Union: Council adopts negotiating position on investment control reform

by , , , and 5 Mins Read

On 12 June 2025, the representatives of the EU Member States in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) approved the Council’s negotiating mandate to revise Regulation (EU) 2019/452 (EU FDI Screening Regulation) on the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI). This clears the way for the so-called trialogue negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission. The aim of the reform is to strengthen the EU’s ability to respond to security-related risks of foreign investments and forms part of the EU Commission’s agenda of an ‘open strategic autonomy’ – while at the same time maintaining an open and investment-friendly environment.

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In Anti-Corruption

Webinar Summary: Global enforcement priorities and challenges – Thursday 5 June 2025

by , , , and 1 Min Read

In this session, a panel of speakers from across Baker McKenzie discussed global enforcement priorities and challenges. Trends in the EU (such as the proposed EU Directive on anti-corruption) were noted, but the panel focused, in particular, on Asia, Africa and Latin America.

In Employment

Belgium: Investigating employee misconduct – What all employers should know (the Belgian Private Investigations Act)

by , and 5 Mins Read

On 6 December 2024, the Private Investigations Act (PIA) was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. The PIA imposes certain new obligations with respect to private investigation activities, whether carried out in-house or by external investigators. Given the broad scope of application of the PIA, it is likely to materially impact many employers in Belgium.

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In Antitrust / Competition

Italy: AGCM probes “Made for Outlet” pricing practices

by and 3 Mins Read

In April 2025, Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) launched an investigation into a clothing retailer over alleged unfair commercial practices. The company is accused of using dual-price tags—featuring a crossed-out higher price—to allegedly suggest discounts on items that were never actually sold at the inflated price. This potentially misleading tactic could deceive consumers into believing they are receiving a bargain.

In ESG

European Union: The European Commission’s action plan to drive innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in the automotive sector

by and 7 Mins Read

On 5 March 2025, the European Commission presented an industrial action plan to drive innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in the automotive sector. The plan seeks to offer a comprehensive strategy aimed at maintaining the global competitiveness of the European automotive industry while navigating the transition to clean mobility and digital integration. Simultaneously, it seeks to address challenges such as access to raw materials, uncompetitive trade practices and rising production costs.

In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Spain: The new version of the UNE 19601 Standard on Management System for Criminal Compliance has been published

by and 3 Mins Read

On 24 April 2025, the revised version of UNE 19601 Standard on Management System for Criminal Compliance was published, replacing the previous version from 2017. UNE 19601 is the reference standard in Spain for implementing a criminal compliance management system and it covers the requirements of the Spanish Penal Code as well as international standards in the field.
The general approach of the initial version is maintained, although modifications have been introduced to adapt it to regulatory changes (primarily, those in the Spanish Penal Code and whistleblowing management standards) and international standards of recent years (such as ISO 37301:2021 or ISO 37002:2021).

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In Employment

Luxembourg: New legislation enhances employee protections in cross-border restructurings

by and 4 Mins Read

On 4 March 2025, the Luxembourg parliament adopted draft bill No. 8225, transposing the employment law provisions of the Mobility Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/2121) into Luxembourg law. This legislation introduces new rules on employee information, consultation and participation in cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions.

In Employment

Netherlands: Pay Transparency Directive and Dutch legislative proposal for equal pay

by , , and 4 Mins Read

A legislative proposal has been introduced to implement the ‘Pay Transparency Directive’ in the Netherlands. On 26 March 2025, the internet consultation for this proposal was launched and will conclude on 7 May 2025. Following this, a decision will be made on whether, and in what form, the bill will be submitted to the House of Representatives. The intended implementation date for the bill is 7 June 2026.

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