For the first time, the European Commission completed an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) and implemented measures to limit the participation of economic operators from non-EU countries – in this particular case, China – in the EU public procurement market. After EU suppliers of medical devices have arguably been denied fair access to Chinese government contract opportunities for years, the EU has now responded with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1197 that requires contracting authorities/entities in all EU member states to exclude Chinese suppliers – and to a certain extent products manufactured in China – from larger public procurement contracts for medical devices.
United States: Digital asset/blockchain industry implications of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and other emerging federal legislation
On July 4, 2025, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law, making important changes to the Internal Revenue Code. The Act has implications for US and non-US companies and their domestic and international transactions, capital investment, and research and development activities, amongst other areas, which carry significant weight for the cryptocurrency/digital asset industry. From cryptocurrency exchanges, payment processors, asset managers and cryptocurrency funds to mining companies, token issuers, custodians, and centralized or decentralized lending platforms, the Act’s provisions reshape the tax landscape in ways that demand close attention.
China – Ticking clock: Navigating China’s new tax-related information reporting regime for online platforms
China has introduced a new tax reporting regime requiring internet platforms—both domestic and overseas—to regularly report tax-related information to Chinese authorities. This move, under State Council Decree No. 810 and STA Bulletin [2025] No. 15, aims to close tax loopholes and enforce compliance. Platforms must now implement robust systems to meet these obligations, with significant implications for data privacy and cross-border data transfers.
In recent years, the European Union has intensified its efforts to combat the abusive use of corporate structures lacking real substance, particularly in the tax domain. In this context, the ATAD III Directive proposal emerged, aimed at limiting the tax benefits of so-called “shell companies”. Although its implementation would have significantly impacted holding entities such as Spanish ETVEs, the project was ultimately abandoned in June 2025. This document analyzes the scope of the proposal, its implications, and current recommendations for groups with international structures.