Policy & Government Affairs

Presidential Message on Ramadan

The White House issued a Presidential message on February 17, 2026, celebrating Ramadan. The message highlights the spiritual significance of the holiday, emphasizes the importance of freedom of religion in the United States, and extends best wishes to those observing the occasion.

Competition Bureau Guidance on Promotional Contest Transparency

The Competition Bureau of Canada has issued guidance reminding businesses and influencers that promotional contests must provide honest and transparent information to consumers. Key details such as prize value, regional allocation, purchase requirements, and winner selection methods must be clearly disclosed.

New York Disaster Emergency Declaration Extended

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the state disaster emergency declared due to extreme temperatures and winter storms. The extension allows state and local governments to bypass standard procurement policies for essential supplies and services until March 19, 2026.

Executive Order Extending Disaster Emergency for Healthcare Staffing Shortages

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has extended a disaster emergency declaration for New York County due to ongoing healthcare staffing shortages caused by a nursing strike. The order continues previous emergency measures through February 24, 2026, aiming to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.

Ofcom and Police Partner to Tackle Online Football Abuse

Ofcom and the UK Football Police Unit have partnered to tackle online abuse in English football. This new working group will share intelligence to inform preventative and investigatory actions, including Ofcom's policy work under the Online Safety Act.

EU Official Journal L Series Daily View

The European Union's Official Journal L series for February 17, 2026, has been published, featuring new regulations, delegated regulations, implementing regulations, and decisions. These include updates on food additives, marketing standards for poultrymeat, classification of goods, and biocidal product approvals.

EU Seeks Experts for Frontier AI Forum

The European Commission's AI Office is seeking experts for a new Forum on Frontier AI, part of the European Frontier AI Initiative. Interested parties, including AI developers, investors, and industrial actors, can express their interest via an application form until March 12, 2026.

EU Official Journal L Series Daily View - February 16, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series for February 16, 2026, includes new regulations and decisions. Key updates involve amendments to International Financial Reporting Standards, changes to transit country lists for Moldova and Montenegro, and uniform provisions for motor vehicle direct vision approval.

Northern Ireland compensation order fees for disqualified directors

The UK Government has issued a new statutory instrument establishing fees for compensation orders related to disqualified directors in Northern Ireland. This rule introduces specific charges that will apply under the new regime.

Presidential Message on the Daytona 500

The White House issued a presidential message celebrating the spirit and tradition of the Daytona 500 race. The message highlights American ingenuity, competitive spirit, and national ideals, sending best wishes for a safe event.