Mandatory Tax Adviser Registration with HMRC

HMRC will implement mandatory registration for tax advisers paid to interact with HMRC on behalf of clients starting May 18, 2026. This change replaces the current registration process and requires advisers to register through a new single digital system and meet specific conditions.

HMRC Tax Receipts and National Insurance Contributions Statistics

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the upcoming release of UK tax receipts and National Insurance contributions statistics. The announcement provides the release date and time for this official statistical report, which summarizes tax revenues and expenditures.

UN Human Rights Chief Urges Peace Amid Middle East Conflict

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a statement on March 19, 2026, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on civilians. He urged renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life and destruction of vital infrastructure, particularly noting the risks associated with attacks on energy facilities.

Colombia: UN Report Calls for Urgent Action on Violence Against Human Rights Defenders

A UN Human Rights Office report highlights that human rights defenders in Colombia have faced unrelenting violence, with an average of nearly 100 killed annually between 2016 and 2025. The report calls for urgent government action to address policy and structural issues contributing to this violence, noting that despite some government measures, state institutions have largely failed to reverse the trends.

Antisemitic Attacks Must Be Investigated, UN Human Rights Council Urges

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States to promptly and fully investigate recent antisemitic attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions. The statement emphasizes the need for justice and for individuals to practice their faith without fear.

EU Non-Opposition to Concentration M.12352: DigitalBridge/TCGL/County Broadband/Freedom Fibre/Truespeed

The European Commission has published a notice regarding its non-opposition to the concentration M.12352, involving DigitalBridge, TCGL, County Broadband, Freedom Fibre, and Truespeed. This decision indicates that the proposed concentration does not raise competition concerns within the European Union.

Italy's Alpine Rail Service Direct Grant Aid Scheme Approved

The European Commission has approved Italy's direct grant aid scheme for Alpine rail services. The scheme, notified as SA.119508, aims to coordinate transport and will be in effect until December 31, 2027.

EC State Aid: Alpine Rail Freight Operating Aid

The European Commission has decided not to raise objections to state aid provided by France and Italy for the operation of the alpine rail freight service between Aiton, France, and Orbassano, Italy. This aid is intended to coordinate transport and will be provided as a direct grant until the end of 2027.

Non-opposition to concentration EFMS / DESOTEC M.12272

The European Commission has issued a notice of non-opposition to a notified concentration, Case M.12272, involving EFMS and DESOTEC. This decision indicates that the concentration does not raise competition concerns under the EU's merger control regulations.

Brookfield/Oaktree Foreign Subsidies Case Decision

The European Commission has closed its investigation into Brookfield/Oaktree's foreign subsidies case. The provisional deadline and suspension period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation expired on March 17, 2026, indicating the resolution of the case. The case involved financial service activities.