Articles on wr.no

26/02/2026

Four years of war: the UK adopts sweeping sanctions as the EU struggles to reach agreement on the 20th package

On 6 February 2026, the EU Commission presented its proposal for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The package, intended to be formally adopted on the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeted Russia's energy sector and included new trade and financial restrictions. For the first time in four years, however, the EU failed to adopt new sanctions on the anniversary of Russia's invasion.

13/01/2026

Norwegian Consumer Authority issues substantial updates to Transparency Act guidance

The Norwegian Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet) has issued revised guidance on due diligence obligations under the Norwegian Transparency Act. Published in December 2025, the guidance is the most significant update since the Act entered into force and offers some useful pointers for how companies should continue to improve the design and implementation of their human rights due diligence.

26/11/2025

Affiliates Rule Suspended as Dutch Nexperia Case Highlights Extraterritorial Impact

The US Department of Commerce has suspended its controversial Affiliates Rule for one year following negotiations with China, temporarily halting export controls that would have extended restrictions to thousands of foreign subsidiaries owned by listed entities. The suspension, effective through 9 November 2026, comes as part of a broader trade deal in which China has agreed to pause its expansive rare earth export controls. However, the Dutch government's extraordinary seizure of semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia demonstrates the far-reaching extraterritorial consequences of US-China trade tensions, with European companies and global supply chains caught in the crossfire.

30/07/2025

ICJ declares legal duty on climate action

On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its landmark advisory opinion on 'the obligations of states in respect of climate change'.

12/06/2025

WR ESG Alert: The Norwegian Government passes Food Loss Act and Marine Protection Act, the EFTA Court issues landmark advisory opinion and more

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the adoption of two new Norwegian acts on food loss and marine protection, a landmark advisory opinion from the EFTA Court on the interpretation of the EIA Directive, adoption of a country risk classification under the EU Deforestation Regulation, and the proposed Omnibus IV package.

08/05/2025

WR ESG Alert: EU 'Stop the Clock' Directive enters into force, whilst Supreme Court overturns decision on interim relief in landmark climate change case

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the EU 'Stop the Clock' Directive which entered into force on 17 April 2025, and the recent judgement from the Supreme Court of Norway on the interpretation of the rules on interim measures under the Norwegian Dispute Act.