Trade & Sanctions

Macroeconomic Dialogue with Social Partners on AI and Labour Market

The Council of the EU, European Central Bank, European Commission, and Eurogroup met with European social partners on March 9, 2026, to discuss the economic situation and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the EU labour market. The dialogue focused on safeguarding EU competitiveness and social cohesion amidst geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Council Recommendation on Tackling Skills Shortages

The Council of the EU has adopted a recommendation to help member states tackle labour and skills shortages in strategic sectors. This non-binding guidance aims to boost competitiveness and resilience by investing in people's knowledge and skills, addressing challenges in areas like digital technologies, health, and farming.

Council Calls for Greater Efforts to Combat Child Poverty

The Council of the EU has adopted conclusions calling for increased support to combat child poverty and enhance child well-being. The conclusions emphasize the economic benefits of investing in children and urge member states and the Commission to ensure adequate funding and targeted policies, aiming for five million fewer children at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030.

Cultural Property Grants 2026 Program Cycle Announced

The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the 2026 program cycle for Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grants (CPAIG). U.S. embassies in countries with cultural property agreements can submit applications for projects to protect cultural property. The application deadline is April 15, 2026, though specific embassy deadlines may vary.

OFAC Adds Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood to SDN List

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. This action imposes sanctions on the entity and carries secondary sanctions risk under Executive Order 13224, as amended.

Harrow Council Fencing, Maintenance, Security, Groundworks Procurement

Harrow Council has issued a preliminary market engagement notice regarding future procurement for fencing, maintenance, security, and groundworks services. The notice was updated to reflect new dates for market engagement events and the close of the engagement period.

Durham Police Server Procurement Contract Award

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham has awarded a contract for the provision of Dell Servers to Insight Direct (UK) Ltd. The contract value is £164,691.82 including VAT and will run for 7 years.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Design Contract Award

The Natural History Museum has awarded a contract for exhibition design services to AOC Architecture Limited for £159,940. The contract is for the development and design of a new permanent gallery focused on young audiences. The contract was signed on December 10, 2025, and will run until July 31, 2027.

Tender for Roof Windows at Dryburgh Farmhouse Development

Dundee City Council has published a tender notice for the supply and delivery of roof windows for the Dryburgh Farmhouse Development. The procurement identifier is ocds-h6vhtk-066546, and the notice was published on March 9, 2026. This is a contract notice for supplies.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust Contract Notice

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has published a contract notice for medical consumables. The contract, valued at £30,930.48 including VAT, was signed on February 27, 2026, and is effective from March 9, 2026, to June 8, 2026.