On 23 January 2026, the European Commission released new FAQ guidance providing clarifications for operators navigating the EU’s expanding Russia sanctions framework. Notably, the European Commission updated their Consolidated FAQs on Sanctions against Russia and Belarus (the “FAQs”, accessible here) with guidance on the Nord Stream transaction ban and the EU’s 19th sanctions package, summarized below. I. Clarifications on the Nord Stream Transaction Ban (Article 5af, Regulation 833/2014) The EU has published dedicated FAQs interpreting…
After publishing a draft implementing decree (Atto del Governo n. 317) (see our previous blog post here), Italy has now approved final legislation (Legislative Decree No. 211 of 30 December 2025) implementing Directive (EU) 2024/1226 which enter into force on 24 January 2026, significantly changing the criminal enforcement landscape in relation to EU sanctions violations. Legislative Decree No. 211/2025 increases criminal liability risks, particularly in respect of EU sanctions compliance, for companies (under Legislative Decree…
On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) for Fiscal Year 2026 (P.L. 119-60). A must-pass piece of legislation that funds Department of Defense (“DoD”) operations on an annual basis, the NDAA is a frequent vehicle for trade-related provisions and legislative changes affecting DoD acquisition policies with direct implications for government contractors. The NDAA includes a number of provisions relating to US sanctions, investment security, and supply chain…
On 5 January 2026, Switzerland imposed an immediate freeze on any assets held in Switzerland by former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the politically exposed persons (PEP) associated with him (see the press release here). This follows Nicolás Maduro’s capture by US forces. Members of the current Venezuelan government are not affected by this asset freeze. The asset freeze is stipulated in the newly released Ordinance on the freezing of assets in connection with Venezuela (Venezuela…