Belgium: Corporate/Commercial Law

Belgium has adopted its CRD VI transposition law, introducing a harmonised regime that requires non-EEA banking institutions to establish NBB-authorised branches when providing core banking services in Belgium. The new framework, which takes effect on 11 January 2027, marks a significant shift from Belgium's previous approach that generally permitted cross-border lending without local authorisation.

Goodwin Procter LLP submits detailed observations on the European Commission's draft merger control guidelines, identifying four critical areas where current drafting risks undermining legal certainty: the innovation shield's failure to operate as a genuine safe harbour, insufficient evidentiary boundaries for reverse killer acquisition theories, lack of limiting principles in entrenchment and ecosystem theories, and unworkable compliance obligations regarding common ownership by institutional investors.

McDermott Will & Schulte and Brunswick Group examine the European Commission's most significant reassessment of EU merger control in over two decades, exploring how the draft guidelines aim to modernise enforcement for digital markets, innovation and competitiveness. The discussion reveals key procedural shifts including the introduction of a "theory of benefit" framework and what businesses should prepare for as the final guidelines approach publication.

The European Union has introduced targeted amendments to its AI Act through a new regulation, extending compliance deadlines for high-risk AI systems while maintaining existing prohibitions and transparency requirements. Organizations now have additional time to implement governance frameworks, documentation protocols, and monitoring systems, though obligations for general-purpose AI models and certain AI practices remain unchanged.

Belgium has adopted its CRD VI transposition law, introducing a harmonised regime that requires non-EEA banking institutions to establish NBB-authorised branches when providing core banking services in Belgium. The new framework, which takes effect on 11 January 2027, marks a significant shift from Belgium's previous approach that generally permitted cross-border lending without local authorisation.

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

The European Commission's proposal for an EU Inc. promises faster, digital incorporation and more harmonised corporate structures across Member States. But can this new framework genuinely reduce legal fragmentation and strengthen Europe's competitive position, or does it simply add another layer to an already complex corporate landscape?

On the 18 March 2026, the European Commission (‘the Commission’) announced a new and harmonised corporate legal regime, ‘EU Inc.’ touted as the ‘28th regime’. It is the European Union’s (‘EU’) response to fragmentation faced...

The European Commission has published draft merger guidelines that consolidate and significantly update its analytical framework for assessing mergers, introducing new considerations for innovation, privacy, sustainability, resilience, and labor markets.

The Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (CEPANI) has introduced revised Arbitration Rules effective June 1, 2026, designed to modernize dispute resolution through enhanced digital capabilities, clearer multiparty procedures, and integrated mediation processes.

Boards in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union face increasing pressure to oversee cybersecurity risks amid evolving regulatory expectations.

The new Book 6 of the Belgian Civil Code brought about the abolition of the "quasi-immunity" from direct liability for auxiliaries (such as directors and subcontractors).