Trade & Sanctions

AHRQ Funding for Diagnostic Safety Strategies and Interventions (R18)

The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) has announced funding opportunities for research on diagnostic safety strategies and interventions in ambulatory care settings. Applications are open to various non-profit, government, and educational institutions, with a closing date of March 17, 2026.

AHRQ Funding Opportunity: Healthcare Worker Well-being and Patient Safety Research

The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (PA-24-093) to support research on systems-level approaches to improve patient safety by enhancing healthcare worker safety and well-being. Applications are due by March 17, 2026, with award maximums of $500,000.

AHRQ Conference Grant Programs (R13) Announced

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has announced its interest in supporting conferences through its R13 grant programs. The announcement details eligibility criteria for various educational, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The application deadline is March 17, 2026.

Colombia Revokes Anti-Dumping Duties on EU Frozen Fries

Colombia has revoked anti-dumping duties on EU frozen fries, resolving a six-year WTO dispute. The duties, valued at approximately €19.3 million annually, were initially imposed in 2018 and found to be WTO-inconsistent. This resolution marks a significant success for the WTO's Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement.

EU and Montenegro Provisionally Close Accession Chapter 21

The Council of the EU announced the provisional closure of accession negotiations with Montenegro on Chapter 21, Trans-European networks. This marks a step in Montenegro's EU accession process, bringing the total number of provisionally closed chapters to fourteen.

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Bioeconomy Strategy

The Council of the EU has approved conclusions on the new EU bioeconomy strategy, aiming for a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy by 2040. The conclusions promote bio-based and circular solutions, support innovation and investment, and emphasize sustainable biomass supply.

Media Advisory: Tripartite Social Summit

The EU Council has issued a media advisory for the Tripartite Social Summit scheduled for March 18, 2026. The advisory provides an indicative program for the event, including the arrival of participants, the start of the summit, and a press conference.

EU Statement on Druzhba Pipeline Oil Supply Interruption

The EU Council issued a joint statement addressing the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia following Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline. The EU has offered technical support and funding to Ukraine to restore oil flow and is working on alternative routes for non-Russian crude oil.

EU Electoral Act: Proxy Voting for MEPs During Pregnancy and Early Motherhood

The Council of the EU has agreed to amend the European electoral law to allow Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to use proxy voting during late pregnancy and early motherhood. This change permits delegation of votes for up to three months before the estimated birth date and six months after childbirth.

SAM.gov Entity Exclusions Service Maintenance Notice

The General Services Administration (GSA) issued a notice regarding the unavailability of the SAM.gov Entity Exclusions service due to scheduled maintenance. This notice informs users that the debarment and suspension information may not be accessible during the maintenance period.