TODAY’S TOP STORIES

TikTok Under Heavy Scrutiny in the EU
As Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen put it, “Transparency in online advertising — who pays and how audiences are targeted — is essential to safeguarding the public interest.”

U.S. Courts strike down Trump’s law firm retribution
The decision by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell to invalidate Donald Trump’s executive order against Perkins Coie is reassuring, though the whole development remains a disturbing sign of just how far political retribution has infiltrated the American legal system

Next-Gen General Counsel: Redefining Legal Leadership Amid Estonia’s Digital Transformation of Legal Services Delivery Model
Estonia’s reputation as a “digital nation” stem from its ambitious e-Estonia initiative, which integrates technology into governance and society. With services like the X-Road data exchange, e-Residency program, e-registers, e-tax, and e-court, Estonia has redefined how nations interact with their citizens.

European Commission Launching Sanctions Helpdesk for SMEs
The EU Sanctions Helpdesk aims to support companies by offering various resources and personalised help to performing relevant due diligence checks.

ABA calls for American lawyers to oppose attacks on the rule of law
It calls for the government to adhere to four major principles of law that have guided the country for over 200 years: Defending Judges and Courts, Acknowledging the Role of the Courts, Adhering to the Rule of Law, and Respecting the Separation of Powers and the three co-equal branches of government with distinct duties and responsibilities.

Trump Starts Targeting Law Firms
The targeting of Perkins Coie LLP, who had worked with Hillary Clinton and whose two lawyers were associated with the eventual FBI investigation into potential ties by the Trump campaign with Russian operatives to influence the election, signals a monumental step concerning an attack on the rule of law and is deeply worrying as to how a head of state can divert public funds and pressure towards personal grudges.

An overview of Feburary 2025 State aid developments
From groundbreaking investments in semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear energy to ambitious schemes promoting decarbonisation and circular economy practices, by outlining what measures were approved and what is being investigated, one can get a clearer picture on how modern State aid rules operate and what type of schemes currently fall under investigation.

A bolder, simpler, and faster EU for 2025
Europe stands at a crossroads, facing an era of profound instability and high expectations, with combined societal, financial, energy-related, and geopolitical challenges all intertwined.