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Why trust has a crucial role in public relations and public affairs
For public relations and public affairs efforts, trust is not just a desirable attribute; it is the cornerstone upon which all successful relationships are built. Trust acts as a currency that institutions—including companies, governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals—must continuously earn and maintain with their stakeholders. Trust is fundamental to establishing credibility and a positive reputation.…
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Grifters and fame seekers are damaging to country’s reputation
We are living in an era where global connectivity and information dissemination are at their peak, the reputation of a country on the international stage has never been more critical. This reputation influences a myriad of factors, including tourism, foreign investment, diplomatic relations, and cultural exchanges. However, the individuals who represent a nation play a…
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The US CLOUD Act and risks for European, Asian and African companies
The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, enacted by the United States in March 2018, has significant implications for data privacy and security on a global scale. This legislation allows US law enforcement agencies to access data stored by US-based technology companies, regardless of where the data is physically located. For companies in…
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AI Act: What next?
After extensive deliberations, the EU legislator officially adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, commonly referred to as the AI Act, on June 13, 2024. This landmark regulation, which sets forth unified rules for artificial intelligence, was subsequently published in the EU’s Official Journal on July 12, 2024. This publication initiates a transition period for organizations involved in…
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What are WeChat mini programs
WeChat is a popular social media and messaging app in China, with over 1.2 billion monthly active users. It offers a variety of features and services, such as messaging, voice and video calls, mobile payments, e-commerce, gaming, and more. One of the most innovative and powerful features of WeChat is the mini program, which is…
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Understanding the implications of the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation on private capital
Introduction Since October 12, 2023, the European Union’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) has instituted a requirement for the reporting of specific large-scale transactions to the European Commission. The purpose of this mandate is to assess if the transaction encompasses a subsidy granted by a non-EU country, which could potentially disrupt the equilibrium of the EU’s…
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Overview of the Schengen Information System (SIS)
What is the Schengen Information System and how does it work? The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a large-scale information system that supports security and border management in the European Union and the associated Schengen countries. It allows national authorities to share and access data on people and objects of interest, such as suspected criminals,…
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Overview of the European AI Office
On January 24, 2024, the European Commission took a significant step in the field of artificial intelligence by creating the European AI Office (commonly referred to as the EU AIO). This newly established body is specifically designed to coordinate and oversee AI-related activities across national competent authorities, EU institutions, offices, and agencies. The initiative aligns…
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Who has the right to sign international agreements on behalf of the European Union?
The role of transparency in global political dynamics is paramount, particularly in the area of international agreements that determine the legal frameworks between blocs and countries. A recent legal dispute between the European Council and the Commission highlighted this, focusing on who holds the authority to sign international treaties for the EU. This culminated in…
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Latest developments on sustainability legislation in the EU and the Baltic states: April 2024
The European Union and its member states are taking further steps to advance sustainability in various sectors and domains. From corporate reporting and due diligence to packaging and buildings, new rules and initiatives are being adopted or revised to ensure a more sustainable future. This article provides an overview of some of the most recent…
