International

UN Security Council Adds Individual to ISIL Al-Qaida Sanctions List

The UN Security Council Committee added Sami Jasim Muhammad Jaata Al-Jaburi to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. This action imposes an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo on the individual, who held significant financial and operational roles within ISIL.

ISDA Guidance on SOFR Publication on Good Friday 2026

ISDA has issued guidance for parties to over-the-counter derivative transactions regarding the expected non-publication of SOFR on Good Friday in 2026. This guidance addresses potential impacts on derivative transactions due to the holiday.

New Laws Restrict AI for Minors, Add Privacy Rights

Washington state has enacted a new law, effective January 1, 2027, that imposes restrictions on the use of AI for minors and introduces new privacy rights. The law defines 'companion chatbots' broadly and may impact companies using conversational AI for customer engagement, requiring compliance with governance mechanisms, design elements, and potentially facing private rights of action.

Brazil-EU Data Transfer Adequacy Decision

Brazil's ANPD and the European Commission have recognized mutual adequacy for personal data transfers, simplifying mechanisms under their respective data protection laws. While this eases contractual friction, underlying processing compliance remains critical for entities transferring data between the EU and Brazil.

Australia Contributes AUD 2 Million to WTO Fish Fund

Australia has committed an additional AUD 2 million to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism (Fish Fund) to support developing and least-developed WTO members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This contribution builds on previous funding and aims to enhance sustainable fisheries management globally.

Africa Cotton Value Addition Initiative Launched

The WTO announced the launch of a new phase of the Cotton Partnership initiative and the Africa Textile Invest platform. The initiative aims to mobilize USD 5 billion in investment to transform the cotton-to-textile-and-garment value chain in Central and West Africa, potentially creating 500,000 jobs.

EU Safeguard Investigation on Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel

The European Union has initiated a safeguard investigation into imports of grain-oriented electrical steel. Interested parties must submit information and views within 21 days of the initiation date, with a deadline for making themselves known to the Commission within 15 days.

Secretary General Visits San Marino and San Patrignano Community

The Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will visit San Marino from March 31 to April 1, 2026, to attend the Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent. He will also visit the San Patrignano community in Italy, a rehabilitation center for drug addiction and marginalization, which is a partner of the Council of Europe's Pompidou Group.

Council of Europe Promotes Child-Friendly Justice System

The Council of Europe, in collaboration with the European Union, has launched an assessment tool to help member states evaluate and improve their justice systems to be more child-friendly. Pilot projects were conducted in Belgium, Poland, and Slovenia. The tool aims to ensure justice is accessible, age-appropriate, and centered on the child's needs.

Council of Europe Convention on Series Co-production Signed

Nine countries have signed the new Council of Europe Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series. This treaty aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, support independent producers, and promote diverse European storytelling in the global audiovisual market. The convention will enter into force upon ratification by three member states.