Legal updates
EU adds new individuals to Iran sanctions list
On 8 June 2026, the EU Council added two individuals and one entity to its sanctions list linked to Iran's military support for Russia's war in Ukraine and for armed groups in the Middle East, as well as actions threatening freedom of navigation. The regulation imposed asset freezes and travel bans on the newly listed parties. Note that this regulation has since been repealed, meaning it has likely been superseded by a subsequent or consolidated measure.
Seven entries removed from EU terrorist sanctions list
The European Commission has updated — for the 357th time — the list of persons and entities subject to asset freezes under EU rules targeting those associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. Seven individuals or entities have been removed from the list following a decision by the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on 21 May 2026. Note: this regulation has since been repealed and may have been replaced by a more recent version.
Three pesticide active substances lose EU approval
From 18 June 2026, the active substances methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad, and terpenoid blend QRD 460 are officially removed from the EU list of approved substances used in plant protection products (pesticides). This happened because their approval periods expired and no valid renewal applications were maintained. Note: this regulation has been repealed, which may indicate it was superseded by a subsequent measure.
Salemi geographical indication registration cancelled
The European Commission has cancelled the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for 'Salemi', a product previously registered under EU food quality schemes. This means the name 'Salemi' no longer carries official EU geographical protection. The regulation came into force on 2 June 2026 and has since been repealed, meaning it was a final administrative act completing the cancellation process.
Anti-dumping duty on Chinese phosphonic acids repealed
This regulation imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts from China, meaning Chinese exporters were found to be selling these chemicals in the EU below fair market price. However, this regulation has since been repealed, meaning the provisional duty it introduced is no longer in force.
EU Updates Ukraine-Related Sanctions List
The EU Council has updated the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures under Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, which targets those responsible for actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. This implementing regulation adds, removes, or amends entries on the sanctions list, meaning affected persons may have their assets frozen and be subject to travel bans within the EU.
Provisional anti-dumping duty on Chinese PET Spunbond repealed
This regulation imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of PET Spunbond (a type of polyester fabric used in packaging, agriculture, hygiene products, and construction) from China, on the grounds that it was being sold in the EU at artificially low prices. However, the regulation has since been repealed, meaning the provisional duty it introduced is no longer in force.
EU cyber-attack sanctions list updated, then repealed
This regulation updated the list of individuals or entities subject to EU sanctions for carrying out or supporting cyber-attacks that threaten the EU or its member states. It was issued on 11 May 2026 and took effect on 13 May 2026, but has since been repealed, meaning it has been superseded by a newer measure.
EU updates poultry import rules for Canada and US
This regulation amended the lists of approved third countries and zones allowed to export poultry, poultry germinal products, and fresh poultry and game bird meat into the EU, specifically updating the entries for Canada and the United States. Such updates typically reflect changes in the disease status of specific regions, often related to outbreaks of avian influenza. Importantly, this regulation has already been repealed, meaning it was superseded by a subsequent rule shortly after coming into force.
New EU-Mercosur Agricultural Tariff Quotas Established
The European Commission has created and amended certain agricultural tariff quotas under the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This means adjusting import volumes and conditions for specific agricultural products from those South American countries that benefit from reduced EU customs duties. The regulation ensures the correct administration of quotas flowing from the trade deal.
Balearic Boat Seine Fishing Derogation Extended Three Years
The European Commission has extended for three years (until 30 April 2029) a fishing derogation for boat seines targeting transparent gobies, Ferrer's gobies, and lowbody picarel in the territorial waters of Spain's Balearic Islands. Boat seines are a traditional small-scale fishing method, and this derogation allows them to operate closer to the coast and in shallower water than standard Mediterranean rules would allow.
Slovenian Volantina Trawler Fishing Derogation Extended
The European Commission has extended for three years (until 27 March 2029) the derogation allowing 'volantina' trawlers in Slovenian territorial waters to fish closer to the coast and in shallower water than normally permitted under the Mediterranean fisheries regulation. This is a technical fishing rule that accommodates the specific local tradition of this small-scale gear type.
EU Updates Sanctions List for Sudan Conflict
The EU Council has updated the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures in view of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The EU's Sudan sanctions regime — established in 2014 — includes asset freezes and travel bans against individuals and groups responsible for actions threatening peace, stability, or transitional processes in Sudan. This regulation adds or amends entries on the list.
Germany Streamlines Permits for Geothermal and Heat Pump Projects
Germany has enacted a law creating streamlined planning and permitting procedures for geothermal plants, heat pumps, heat distribution pipelines, and thermal storage systems. Projects now benefit from faster approval timelines, clearer legal status for underground drilling rights, and coordinated regulatory competence, replacing the previous patchwork of sectoral rules.
Germany Lists Ten Countries as Safe Countries of Origin
Germany has issued a regulation formally listing the countries classified as 'safe countries of origin' for international protection purposes under the Asylum Act. The ten designated countries are: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Senegal, and Serbia. Nationals of these countries face an accelerated asylum procedure and must rebut a stronger presumption that their applications are unfounded.
German Petrol Stations Limited to One Price Rise Per Day
Germany has enacted a law limiting public petrol stations to a maximum of one fuel price increase per calendar day, with any rise permitted only at noon (12:00). Price reductions can still happen at any time. Violations carry fines of up to €100,000. The Federal Government may suspend the rule by ordinance in exceptional circumstances, subject to Bundestag approval.
Germany Enacts Framework Law for Critical Infrastructure Resilience
Germany has enacted an overarching framework law (Dachgesetz) strengthening the physical resilience of critical infrastructure, implementing the EU CER Directive. It establishes risk assessment obligations for critical infrastructure operators, resilience plans, incident reporting requirements, and a supervisory framework coordinated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK), covering sectors including energy, water, transport, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.
Crypto Service Providers Must Report Customer Data to Tax Authorities
Germany has implemented the EU DAC8 directive, requiring crypto-asset service providers (exchanges, brokers, wallet services) to collect verified identity and tax data from their customers and report it annually to the German Federal Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern), which automatically shares it with tax authorities in other EU member states. Crypto providers face fines for non-compliance.
Short-Time Work Benefits Extended to Up to 24 Months
Germany has extended the maximum duration of short-time work benefits (Kurzarbeitergeld) from the standard 12 months to up to 24 months, valid until 31 December 2026. This allows companies in economic difficulty to keep workers on reduced hours for longer without having to make them redundant, with the state subsidising a portion of the lost wages.
Germany Issues Implementing Rules for Global Minimum Tax (Pillar 2)
Germany has issued the implementing regulation for the global minimum tax (GloBE/Pillar 2), specifying the content, format, and international exchange mechanism for the mandatory minimum tax reports that large multinational groups must file when their effective tax rate falls below 15%. The regulation aligns with the OECD standard GIR (GloBE Information Return).
Garnishment-Exempt Income Threshold Raised to €1,587 in 2026
Germany has updated the garnishment-exempt income thresholds for 2026, effective 1 July 2026. The basic monthly amount shielded from creditor seizure rises from €1,555 to €1,587.40. Each additional dependent adds a further protected amount that also increases (from €585.23 to €597.42 per person per month). The ceiling above which all income is fully seizable rises from €4,766.99 to €4,866.30 per month.
New 2026 Income Tables for Legal Aid Eligibility Published
Germany has published the 2026 income and asset tables used to determine eligibility for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe) under § 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). The tables set the monthly income thresholds, deductible amounts for housing costs and dependants, and the sliding-scale contribution rates applicable to court proceedings starting in 2026.
Germany Streamlines Permits for Hydrogen Value Chain Projects
Germany has enacted a law streamlining planning and permitting procedures for the entire hydrogen value chain — production (electrolysis), storage (including underground caverns), import terminals, and transport pipelines. Projects receive a statutory overriding public interest designation, shortened approval timelines, and a single-authority permitting window.
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