Belgium: International Law

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International law articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as export controls, trade sanctions, investment sanctions, international courts and tribunals, international trade and international investment.
Article
European Commission Proposes Internal Reforms For EU Enlargement: What Comes Next
The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the EU enlargement process, introducing new safeguards, gradual integration mechanisms, and qualified majority voting to facilitate the accession of Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine. These reforms aim to balance the strategic imperative of expansion with concerns about institutional capacity, economic convergence, and decision-making efficiency in an enlarged union.
European Union International
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Steptoe LLP
Article
The EU’s Largest Customs Overhaul in Decades is Almost Final: What Businesses Need to Know
The European Parliament has approved a comprehensive reform of the Union Customs Code, marking the most significant overhaul of EU customs law since the Customs Union's establishment. This reform introduces groundbreaking digital infrastructure including an EU Customs Data Hub and a new EU Customs Authority, fundamentally transforming how businesses and customs authorities interact across member states while addressing the explosive growth of e-commerce imports.
European Union International
CL
Cassidy Levy Kent
Article
EU Council Adopts 21st Sanctions Package Against Russia
The European Union has unveiled its most comprehensive sanctions package against Russia to date, targeting 216 individuals and entities across energy, financial services, and cryptocurrency sectors. With unprecedented measures including shadow fleet vessel restrictions, crypto-asset service provider bans, and enhanced legal protections for EU operators, this 21st package represents a significant escalation in economic pressure designed to disrupt Russia's war economy and close circumvention channels through
Global International
S
Steptoe LLP
Article
EU Adopts “Mini” Sanctions Package Against Russia
The European Union has adopted a targeted "mini" sanctions package against Russia, introducing 87 new designations across multiple regimes while creating a specific derogation for transactions with Chinese chip trader Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. This rolling sanctions approach marks a shift in EU strategy, targeting entities across eight jurisdictions including China, UAE, and Turkey, while addressing supply chain disruptions caused by previous designations.
European Union International
MB
Mayer Brown
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International Trade & Investment

Article
European Commission Proposes Internal Reforms For EU Enlargement: What Comes Next
The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the EU enlargement process, introducing new safeguards, gradual integration mechanisms, and qualified majority voting to facilitate the accession of Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine. These reforms aim to balance the strategic imperative of expansion with concerns about institutional capacity, economic convergence, and decision-making efficiency in an enlarged union.
European Union International
S
Steptoe LLP
Article
Belgian FDI Screening In Year Three: Rise In Filings And First Blocked Transaction
Belgium's Investment Screening Committee received 191 foreign investment filings in its latest reporting period, marking a sharp increase driven by more active detection of non-notified transactions. The first-ever refusal came after the period ended, blocking a China-linked acquisition of a Belgian offshore helicopter services provider, demonstrating that low refusal rates don't preclude negative outcomes for sensitive sector investments.
Belgium Government
LL
Loyens & Loeff
Article
EU Connect Snippet: State Of The Union 2026 - Economic Security Moves Centre Stage
The European Commission's 2026 State of the Union address signals a fundamental shift in EU policymaking, intertwining economic security with technological leadership and climate resilience. President von der Leyen's proposal for an unprecedented "associate membership" with Canada could establish a new framework for strategic partnerships beyond traditional enlargement. These developments carry significant implications for businesses navigating Europe's increasingly interconnected policy landscape.
European Union Government
LL
Loyens & Loeff
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Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

Article
Revised Belgian Sanctions Law Brings Higher Fines, Broader Powers
Belgium has significantly strengthened its sanctions enforcement framework through revised legislation that entered into force on 1 September 2026. The new Economic Sanctions Law grants authorities broader investigative powers, establishes a dedicated sanctions investigation team, and dramatically increases both administrative and criminal penalties for violations of EU economic sanctions.
European Union Criminal
LL
Loyens & Loeff
Article
Reform Of The Flemish Arms Trade Decree: Meeting The Industry’s Needs
The Flemish government has adopted a comprehensive reform of its Arms Trade Decree, introducing a risk-based licensing system that differentiates between low-risk and high-risk jurisdictions while expanding exemptions for NATO and EEA countries. The new framework, set to enter force in December 2027, aims to balance facilitating legitimate defense trade with maintaining effective export controls, while aligning more closely with European regulations and reducing administrative burdens for companies.
Belgium Government
LL
Loyens & Loeff
Article
EU Council Adopts 21st Sanctions Package Against Russia
The European Union has unveiled its most comprehensive sanctions package against Russia to date, targeting 216 individuals and entities across energy, financial services, and cryptocurrency sectors. With unprecedented measures including shadow fleet vessel restrictions, crypto-asset service provider bans, and enhanced legal protections for EU operators, this 21st package represents a significant escalation in economic pressure designed to disrupt Russia's war economy and close circumvention channels through
Global International
S
Steptoe LLP
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