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OECD Releases AI Due Diligence Guidance for Multinationals

The OECD has published new Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI, aimed at multinational enterprises involved in the AI value chain. This guidance complements existing OECD guidelines and aims to assist companies in implementing responsible AI practices and human rights policies.

Force Majeure in Gulf Construction Contracts Amid Iran Conflict

This client alert from King & Spalding discusses force majeure clauses in Gulf construction contracts in response to the Iran conflict. It outlines typical contractual regimes, legal implications, and provides practical advice for employers and contractors facing supply chain and logistical disruptions.

Export Control Complexity Grows with Technology and Geopolitics

This article discusses the increasing complexity of export control and sanctions regimes due to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts, using the UK as an example. It highlights that failure to comply with UK export controls can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

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.

Finance Bill 2025-26 Report Stage Explanatory Notes

HM Revenue & Customs has published explanatory notes and tax information for government amendments to the Finance Bill 2025-26 at its report stage. These notes detail changes related to the abolition of the Lifetime Allowance and tax implications for certain pension interests and umbrella companies.

HSE Reminds Employers of Health and Safety Duties for Home Workers

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding employers that they have the same health and safety duties for home workers as for office-based staff. The guidance highlights key risk areas such as stress, mental health, and display screen equipment, and emphasizes that these responsibilities are legal duties, not optional.

Slovenia notified State Aid for indirect ETS costs

The European Commission has received a notification from Slovenia regarding a State Aid scheme to compensate undertakings for indirect costs arising from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The scheme, estimated at EUR 78 million for 2025-2027, aims to mitigate the impact of ETS costs passed on in electricity prices.

EU State Aid: France Green Industry Tax Credit (C3IV)

The European Commission has published details regarding France's State Aid notification SA.120765, concerning a tax credit for investments in green industry (C3IV). This measure aims to support the development of clean technology production capacities within the EU.

GAO: State Department Needs Plans for Overseas Antidemocratic Actions

The GAO released a report recommending that the State Department develop plans to mitigate risks associated with democracy assistance programs that may need to be redirected away from host-country government entities. The report highlights challenges faced in providing aid and notes that current planning does not adequately address potential shifts in assistance due to antidemocratic actions by recipient governments.

TPR: Master trusts prepare for future scale requirements

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published guidance for UK defined contribution (DC) master trusts on preparing for new scale requirements under the Pension Schemes Bill. The guidance encourages trustees to evaluate their growth potential and operational readiness, with a minimum asset threshold of £25bn expected from 2030.