Worldwide: International Law

Cross-border parental responsibility disputes raise complex questions of jurisdiction, particularly where children have become settled in another country. The Cyprus Court of Appeal recently examined whether Cypriot courts had jurisdiction over four children who had relocated to Germany, where they were living, attending school, and integrating socially.

The EU General Court has issued a significant ruling regarding Crocs' design rights, examining the validity and scope of protection for the iconic footwear design. This case explores the boundaries of design protection in the European Union and raises important questions about what elements of a product design can be legally protected.

A landmark trial has commenced in Riga against Eduard Tsehoval, former head of Moscow House, who allegedly facilitated rent collection for property linked to Russian officials under EU sanctions.

Reuters is reporting that three individuals have today been convicted of Russian sanctions offences.

Polish prosecutors have registered nearly 2,500 sanctions cases as of mid-2026, with 85% targeting Belarus and at least 91 criminal proceedings specifically focused on wood-processing products.

Poland's Agency for Internal Security has charged two individuals with illegally exporting dual-use goods to Russia through Turkey, violating EU sanctions. The suspects allegedly purchased CNC machine tools and thermal chambers in Germany, routing them through Poland before attempting shipment to Russia via Turkey. Both individuals face potential sentences of at least three years and asset confiscation.

Polish prosecutors have registered nearly 2,500 sanctions cases as of mid-2026, with 85% targeting Belarus and at least 91 criminal proceedings specifically focused on wood-processing products.

France's Office for Foreign Investment (IEF) has released its 2025 guidance on foreign direct investment screening, revealing key procedural changes and clarifications on sector-specific requirements. With the EU's Revised FDI Screening Regulation set to take effect in 2027, investors face new timelines, expanded mandatory screening sectors, and stricter compliance obligations that will fundamentally reshape cross-border transaction planning.

The Dutch government has prohibited a US IT company from acquiring Solvinity, the operator behind DigiD, the Netherlands' digital identity verification system. This decision raises important questions about how national security concerns intersect with foreign investment in critical telecommunications infrastructure and what legal mechanisms exist to protect public interests in the digital age.