Trade & Sanctions

EPA National Environmental Education and Training Program Funding Opportunity

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a funding opportunity for its National Environmental Education and Training Program. The program aims to provide environmental education training to professionals across the U.S. Applications are due by April 27, 2026, with a total award of $4,740,000 available.

Press Briefing for General Affairs Council

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for a press briefing concerning the General Affairs Council meeting on March 17, 2026. The briefing will take place on March 13, 2026, and is designated as 'off the record'. Journalists must register by March 13, 2025, to participate.

EU Statement on Restrictive Measures Against Terrorism

The EU has issued a statement regarding Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455, which updates restrictive measures to combat terrorism. This decision repeals previous articles and expands the scope for imposing measures against individuals and entities associated with terrorist acts.

European Council Invitation: Middle East, Ukraine, Competitiveness, MFF

European Council President António Costa has invited members to a meeting on March 19-20, 2026, to discuss the Middle East escalation, Ukraine, strategic competitiveness, the Multiannual Financial Framework, defense readiness, and migration. The invitation outlines key agenda items and the urgency of coordinated responses.

EU Statement on Countries Aligning with Terrorist List Update

The EU has issued a statement noting that several non-EU countries have aligned with a recent Council Decision updating the EU's terrorist list. This alignment means these countries will conform their national policies to the updated list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures.

EU Council Press Briefings for Transport, Energy, and Environment Councils

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for press briefings preceding the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) on March 16 and the Environment Council on March 17, 2026. Journalists are invited to register for a hybrid format briefing by March 13, 2026.

Energy Department Offers $1.9B for Grid Upgrades

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $1.9 billion funding opportunity to upgrade the nation's power grid. The SPARK funding opportunity aims to accelerate upgrades to meet rising electricity demand, lower costs for consumers, and improve grid reliability. Concept papers are due April 2, 2026, and applications are due May 20, 2026.

OFAC Designations and Removals - Counter Terrorism, North Korea, Narcotics

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List with new designations related to counter-terrorism, North Korea, and narcotics. These updates include adding individuals involved in facilitating North Korea sanctions evasion and disrupting illicit networks.

USTR Section 301 Investigations into Excess Capacity

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and production in 16 economies. The USTR is seeking public comments on these investigations, with a deadline of April 15, 2026.

USITC Continues Antidumping Orders on PET Film from China, India, Taiwan, UAE

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined to continue existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, sheet, and strip from China, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. This decision means these trade remedy measures will remain in place, affecting imports of the specified product.