Companies wishing to take advantage of the efficiencies of cloud computing face a dilemma—how to do so without running afoul of export controls? In a recent client alert, authors Christopher Wall and Sanjay Mullick examine how newly proposed regulations from the Directorate of Defense Trade Control (DDTC) and the Bureau…
Global Trade & Sanctions Law
EU sanctions against Russia extended to 31 January 2016; additional sanctions planned
On 19 June, the European Council extended EU sanctions against Russia pursuant to Council Decision (CFSP 2015/959). This follows a series of increasingly coordinated actions by the US and EU, such as the joint statement produced at the G7 meeting two weeks ago, to show a united front against continued…
House Extends Timeline for Reconsideration of Trade Package until July 30th
This afternoon the House of Representatives approved a rule that extends time for a second vote on Trade Adjustment Assistance legislation which the House failed to pass on Friday. By a vote of 236-189, the House voted to allow for reconsideration of the trade legislation before July 30th. The next…
Congress Still Divided on Cuba
As previously reported, the Obama Administration is actively continuing its rapprochement with Cuba, most recently removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, despite this consistent push from the Administration and the strong interest of the U.S. business community to enter the Cuba market as quickly as…
White House and Congressional Leaders Regroup Following House Vote Against Key Trade Legislation
President Obama and Republican House leaders are regrouping in an effort to put key trade legislation back on track after House Democrats voted against Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers displaced by global trade, a key part of the President’s trade agenda. The development threatens ultimate passage of the Trans-Pacific…
Event Recap – Iran Sanctions, Investment and Trade: Preparing for Divergent Outcomes
On Tuesday, June 8 in Pillsbury’s London office, Pillsbury and the Eurasia Group hosted the first event in their Sanctions & Market Opportunities Series entitled “Iran Sanctions, Investment and Trade: Preparing for Divergent Outcomes.” During the event, panelists discussed the likelihood for a final agreement related to Iran’s nuclear program…
The FIFA Scandal: The Long Foot of American Justice
[Originally appeared in Bloomberg BNA] Envelopes of cash. Vote rigging. Wiretapped recordings in 5-star hotel rooms. A dramatic early morning police raid coordinated between the FBI and Swiss law enforcement. An episode of the Sopranos? No, but it is a day in the life of FIFA. Last week’s revelation of…
EU and US Leaders Commit To Russian Sanctions at G7 Summit
The leaders of the G7 met for two days of discussions in Elmau, Southern Germany on 7 and 8 June 2015. High on the agenda was the issue of Russian targeted EU and US sanctions over Moscow’s role in support of Ukrainian rebels. Russia has already been excluded from what…
Cuba Removed from List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Today the State Department issued a press release announcing that the Secretary of State has finalized the removal of Cuba from the official U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, effective May 29: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/05/242986.htm. Although this is an important step forward, it does not automatically eliminate any of the current…
Strict Controls Proposed on the Export of Cybersecurity Items
Companies legitimately employing tools to test how vulnerable their computers and networks may be to cyber-attacks should take note of strict new export controls that may be on the horizon. Specifically, on May 20, 2015, the Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) proposed to establish controls on the…