Tensions with Russia resulted in another G7 statement on the situation in and around Ukraine, while the United States (US) moved to address other Russian provocations related to cyber intrusions, election interference and bounties on US troops in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom (UK) also denounced Russia’s malign activities. While US lawmakers welcomed the actions against … Continue Reading
European countries re-examined data this week from the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, amid increased concerns surrounding blood-clotting incidents. The United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) are trending toward further reopening, as inoculation levels rise. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) continues to face criticism with respect to its COVID-19 vaccine export control mechanism. Reports this week … Continue Reading
United States (US) officials released two major annual publications this week, one focused on human rights and the other focused on trade barriers for American goods and services. The United Kingdom (UK) submitted a roadmap to the European Union (EU) regarding its border controls in Northern Ireland. The two sides also appear to have reached … Continue Reading
Officials from the United States (US) reached out to European officials this week, discussing mutual concerns and priorities. The European Union (EU) continues struggle with resolving its vaccine distribution challenges, extending its vaccine export restrictions until June. This week, the US and European partners jointly imposed sanctions against officials from the People’s Republic of China … Continue Reading
The United States (US) Government published in the Federal Register its decisions to temporarily suspend US retaliatory duties related to the long-standing large civil aircraft dispute with European countries. If the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) fail to secure a settlement with the United States, the US tariffs will snapback in July. The … Continue Reading
The United States (US) marked one year of COVID-related restrictions on Thursday, with US President Joe Biden noting the increased vaccination pace across the country and suggesting Americans may return to more normalcy by 4 July. The United Kingdom (UK) Government is also moving forward with its phased re-opening plans, with students returning to schools … Continue Reading
The European Union (EU) continues to face COVID-19 vaccine production challenges in the bloc, along with increased COVID-19 infection cases driven by the mutating coronavirus. Whereas the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) have seen declines in COVID-19 cases, which is allowing for some easing of restrictions. Tension between the EU and UK remains … Continue Reading
In the United States (US), President Joe Biden’s US Trade Representative nominee formally began the confirmation process, testifying before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday and moving one-step closer to Senate approval. The United Kingdom (UK) and Australia signed a new agreement this week, establishing a bilateral partnership – a “Space Bridge” – between their … Continue Reading
United States (US) engagement with transatlantic partners came across multiple fronts this week, via the White House, State Department outreach, the NATO Defense Ministerial and Treasury Department outreach. The European Commission released its trade strategy, with the “Open Strategic Autonomy” principle at the center, but also prioritizing strengthening the European Union (EU)-US relationship. Effective this … Continue Reading
This week in the United States (US), Senators focused on the impeachment trial for former US President Donald Trump, while the House of Representatives moved forward with the budget reconciliation process for another COVID relief bill. US President Joe Biden announced new US sanctions on Burma, while his Administration secured contracts for additional doses of … Continue Reading
Recent modifications to regulations and federal government acquisition policies portend big change for contractors across the US, and their suppliers around the world. We anticipate an increasingly complex legal terrain with respect to the Made in America laws which will undoubtedly affect the global supply chain. Are you prepared?… Continue Reading
The European Union’s (EU) COVID-19 vaccine export control mechanism continued to be heavily criticized this past week, including a proposal that would have invoked Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. This led to increased tension between the United Kingdom (UK) and EU, amid continuing post-Brexit border customs concerns with Northern Ireland. In the United … Continue Reading
Countries on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are increasingly concerned with the spread of the COVID variants, as they work to ramp up vaccination efforts and impose travel restrictions on those countries where these variants are active. The European Union (EU) signaled this week that it might move forward with a proposal that seeks … Continue Reading
A peaceful transition of presidential power occurred in the United States (US) on Wednesday, 20 January, in Washington, D.C., with President Joe Biden now leading the country and calling for unity. Over his first few days, President Biden immediately signed a number of orders, ranging from addressing COVID-19 to climate change and other topics. Prior … Continue Reading
The United States (US) continues to focus on the aftermath of the US Capitol Building attack on 6 January, as it looks to move forward with a peaceful transition of power this coming week. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) process for approving the EU-United Kingdom (UK) trade deal took another step forward this week, as … Continue Reading
All eyes were on Washington, D.C. last week, as news emerged Wednesday that the United States (US) Capitol was breached. Order was restored quickly and Congress moved ahead with certifying the 3 November election results. In the wake of the incident, US President Donald Trump is under pressure to resign, with just over a week … Continue Reading
The United Kingdom (UK) approved its second COVID-19 vaccine this week, while the European Union (EU) moved forward quickly with distribution of its first-approved vaccine to its Member States. United States (US) President Donald Trump signed another COVID relief measure linked to an Omnibus appropriations bill late on Sunday, after objecting initially to a number … Continue Reading
The United States (US) approved its second COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna this week, ramping up its initial vaccine distribution and inoculations in America. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) decided to expedite its vaccine approval process and is now on track to authorize the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines before the end of the month.… Continue Reading
Last week, the United Kingdom (UK) moved forward with its first inoculations of the approved Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The United States (US) approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on Friday, 11 December, and will begin inoculations this coming week. The European Union (EU) continues to stress safety over speed in its vaccine approval process and has yet … Continue Reading
On December 4, 2020, senior members of our Public Policy Practice joined the Meridian International Center for an Insights@Meridian discussion before an audience comprised of multinational corporations and the diplomatic community.… Continue Reading
The United Kingdom (UK) approved its first COVID-19 vaccine this past week, moving forward with its first inoculations this month. Regulators in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) are still examining the Phase 3 clinical data but are not far behind in their respective approval processes for some vaccine candidates. Talks between the … Continue Reading
Businesses of all sizes should consider how the Biden Administration’s “Build Back Better” economic plan would affect international supply chains. His strategy to revitalize the American economy rests on two pillars: strengthening Buy American provisions and reforming the tax code to incentivize domestic production.… Continue Reading
President-Elect Joe Biden’s campaign platform pledged the US would renew a “mutually respectful engagement toward Africa with a bold strategy.” His immediate focus, however, will be to tackle domestic matters like COVID-19 and the economy. Initial engagement with Africa may therefore be conducted through combatting the pandemic, bilaterally and multilaterally, and via the Global Health … Continue Reading
In partnership with the US-UAE Business Council (Business Council) and its 2020 “Back to Business” webinar series, our Public Policy colleagues, including former elected and appointed US government officials, joined Danny E. Seabright, President of the Business Council to share their outlook on domestic and foreign policy priorities of the incoming Biden Administration, and their … Continue Reading
