Uruguay  Business opportunity

Green Hydrogen from offshore wind farms

The Uruguayan Government has just announced that it would offer maritime areas for the installation of offshore wind farms aimed at the production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The State-owned oil company (so-called “ANCAP”) plans to issue an international call for interested companies. This would be the first open round in the world for the production of green hydrogen in offshore areas.

Through this process, four (4) dates will be set for companies to submit their bids for four (4) different maritime areas.

An Executive Branch decree issued a few days ago, authorized ANCAP to enter into contracts with third parties in order to conduct feasibility studies for the evaluation and potential production of green hydrogen and/or derivatives from renewable energy.

Such areas would be located approximately 42 kilometers from the coast and will have an average surface area of approximately 270 square miles, with an energy production potential of 3 GW and a green hydrogen production potential of 200,000 tons per year.

The format proposed for the above contracts would contemplate evaluation periods which would range between two (2) and ten (10) years.

This newsletter provides a selection of regulatory news and comments from our SPANISH legal experts on interesting policy developments, recent case law, and new regulatory directions of major industry practices. The aim is to provide an up-to-date tool for quick and easy consultation on the most current and important topics at a SPANISH level.

1. Legal news on foreign investments

On September 1, 2023, Royal Decree 571/2023, of July 4, concerning foreign investments (the "Royal Decree"), came into effect, repealing Royal Decree 664/1999 and further developing the provisions of Law 19/2003, of July 4, on the legal framework for capital movements and economic transactions with foreign countries (the "Law 19/2003").

The Royal Decree establishes mechanisms for controlling foreign investments. Articles 14 to 17 of the Royal Decree introduce a prior administrative authorization regime for certain foreign investments, particularly in strategic sectors of Spain. This control is grounded in Article 7 bis of Law 19/2003.

The Royal Decree also introduces new provisions regarding intragroup financing. This refers to loans or capital injections between companies within the same corporate group when one of the parties is foreign.

1.1 Requirements and obligations

The concept of investment has been expanded as follows:

Foreign investments in Spain: When a foreign company finances a Spanish entity or branch. Spanish investments abroad: When a Spanish company finances a nonresident company within the same group.

Declaration Requirements:

Amount exceeding €1,000,000. Amortization period exceeding one calendar year.

Declaration Obligation:

Intragroup financing transactions meeting the aforementioned criteria must be declared to the Investment Registry of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Who is responsible for the declaration?

The non-resident company if it finances a Spanish entity. The resident company if it finances a foreign entity.

2. New technical and functional specifications for electronic billing systems

Order HAC/1177/2024, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), sets forth the technical, functional, and content specifications that electronic and computer systems used for billing by entrepreneurs and professionals must comply with. Its primary objective is to ensure that these systems adhere to the security and transparency standards established in Royal Decree 1007/2023 and Royal Decree 1619/2012.

2.1 Main objective of the Order

The goal is to prevent electronic systems from enabling the manipulation or concealment of accounting, billing, or management data, ensuring that records are:

Intact: Without unauthorized modifications. Preserved: Accessible for consultation. Readable: In standard formats that can be interpreted by the Administration. Traceable: With the ability to track the history of each record. Unaltered: Free from interpolations or undocumented omissions.

2.2 New tax obligations and legal context

The electronic systems must guarantee these characteristics and be duly certified. Invoices generated will include a QR code and, in some cases, a phrase identifying their validity.

This order is based on the new formal tax obligation set forth in Article 29.2.j) of the General Tax Law, which requires manufacturers, marketers, and users of these systems to comply with the necessary security and functionality requirements.

In summary, this order regulates and standardizes billing systems to prevent tax fraud and improve data control by the Administration.

Corporate law

Paris Court of Economic Affairs (Tribunal des affaires économiques de Paris): entry into force of a new protocol for disputes on the merits

On 19 December 2024, the Bar, the Clerk's Office (greffe) and the Paris Commercial Court signed a new protocol relating to the introduction and scheduling of disputes on the merits, with the aim of reducing the average time taken to process these cases.

The protocol concerns the settlement of disputes on the merits (and not summary proceedings, claims and injunctions to pay) and will apply to new cases filed after its implementation, which is scheduled to take place in stages from 1 January 2025. Firstly, it aims to improve the organisation of the filing of cases by introducing a procedure for the scheduling of dates. As soon as this function is operational on the ‘digital court’, the date will be scheduled on the commercial court platform.

The case will then be placed at the clerk's office by electronic transmission (Word or PDF text format) or, if this is not possible, by filing the copy of the summons with the reservation number at the clerk's office.

The protocol also changes the way in which cases are instructed, where representation by a lawyer is mandatory, based on the provisions of articles 446-1 to 446-4 of the French Code of Civil Procedure. As soon as the case is introduced, the parties will be proposed an amicable way of resolving the dispute. In the absence of conciliation, the court will exempt the parties from attending subsequent pre-trial hearings and, after obtaining the opinion of the parties, it will set a calendar for exchanges depending on the complexity of the case. Subject to certain exceptions, the exchanges will have to take place electronically.

Corporate law

New provisions on amicable liquidation proceedings and transfer of company assets (TUP)

Amicable liquidation and universal transfer of assets (TUP) procedures are sometimes misused by fraudulent companies facing tax and social security reassessments, which they seek to elude.

To prevent such misuse, the decree of 7th July 2024 makes it compulsory to publish the dissolution giving rise to a TUP procedure in the “Bulletin officiel des annonces civiles et commerciales” (BODACC) and to produce certificates of social security and tax compliance when closing the amicable liquidation procedure.

As a result, article 8 of decree no. 78-704 is amended to make it compulsory to publish the dissolution giving rise to a TUP procedure only in the BODACC and no longer in a legal gazette, in order to enhance the publicity given to the procedure and the information provided to creditors.

The text also amends article 10 of the same decree and article R. 237-7 of the French Commercial Code (for commercial companies) to make it compulsory to produce a certificate of social regularity and a tax certificate attesting that the accounts are fully updated when the amicable liquidation is closed, as part of this procedure, which takes place without the intervention of a judge. Although the company must not have any debts and must have enough assets to pay all its liabilities, there is no obligation to certify that, a situation that the decree seeks to correct with this new obligation.

These provisions will come into force on 1st October 2024.

Corporate law

Conditions under which former members of a civil company (société civile) are held liable for the company's debts.

In a recent decision, the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) ruled that shareholders in a civil partnership who have transferred their shares may be held liable for the company's debts that became due and payable before the date of the transfer, without any need to justify unsuccessful legal proceedings against the company prior to that date.

Corporate law

General Meeting of a Société Anonyme: the failure to establish a quorum is not equivalent to a lack of quorum

The Extraordinary General Meeting of a Société Anonyme is deemed valid only if the shareholders present or represented hold at least one-quarter of the shares with voting rights on first call and one-fifth on second call (French Commercial Code, art. L. 225-96, para. 2). Resolutions adopted in breach of this rule are null and void (French Commercial Code, art. L. 225-96, para. 1).

The shareholders of a Société Anonyme requested the nullity of an Extraordinary General Meeting, arguing that the meeting officers had failed to ensure that a quorum was met.

Their claim has been rejected: only the adoption of resolutions by the Extraordinary General Meeting without respecting the quorum can lead to nullity; however, the plaintiffs did not argue that the quorum had not been met, but only that the officers of the meeting had failed to ascertain its presence.  

Corporate law

Alternative arbitration clause and attribution of jurisdiction: the court may be seized

In a recent decision, the Paris Court of Appeal stated that, in the event of an alternative clause providing for recourse to arbitration to settle disputes arising from the contract, while reserving the parties the option of submitting their dispute to the national court in the event of disagreement, the court may be seized to establish the existence of such disagreement.

Corporate law

Commercial agents unable to continue working for health reasons are entitled to indemnification

The In a recent decision, the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) ruled that in the event that a commercial agent terminates his contract for health reasons, he retains his entitlement to the contract termination indemnity, even if he is not completely unable to carry out any activity, as long as he can no longer reasonably pursue his activity as an agent.

Tax

Research tax credit (“crédit d'impôt recherche - CIR”): sub-contracted expenses can only be taken into account if they have been paid during the financial year

According to the Toulouse Administrative Court of Appeal, sub-contracted expenses can only be taken into account in calculating the research tax credit (“crédit d'impôt recherche – CIR”) in respect of a given financial year if they are actually paid in that same year.

Tax

Denial of tax exemption to non-residents is subject to the contradictory procedure

When non-resident contributors claim an exemption on the basis of a bilateral tax treaty in a letter attached to their wealth tax (“Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune – ISF”) declaration, the contradictory rectification procedure must be implemented (French Supreme Court 18-9-2024 no. 23-10.515 F-D).

Employment law

The duration of fixed-term contracts, even if discontinuous, is deducted from the trial period provided for in any permanent contract subsequently entered into.

In a recent decision, the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) has reiterated the conditions for the implementation of the trial period in the event of a succession of previous contracts, confirming its case law in this matter.

In particular, on expiry of one or more fixed-term employment contracts (CDD), the employee may be hired, without any delay, on a permanent contract (CDI) by the company in which he or she was working. In this case, the duration of the fixed-term contract(s) has to be deducted from any trial period provided for in the new employment contract (French Labor Code, art. L 1243-11, para. 3), even if the various contracts are separated by short periods of interruption. The deduction of the duration of previous fixed-term contracts from the trial period of the new contract is even more applicable in the event of new recruitment on a fixed-term contract following immediately successive fixed-term contracts. However, except in cases of fraud, the employer does not have to reduce the trial period if the new contract is for a different position requiring the employee to have different qualifications and skills.

Employment law

A recording made without the employer's awareness can be used to prove a work-related accident

The plenary session of the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) recently ruled that, in civil proceedings, the unlawfulness of obtaining or producing evidence does not necessarily mean that it should be excluded from the proceedings. The court must, when requested to do so, assess whether such evidence undermines the fairness of the proceedings as a whole, by balancing the right to evidence against the conflicting rights involved. The right to evidence may justify the production of evidence that undermines other rights, provided that such production is essential to the exercise of that right and that the violation is strictly proportionate to the aim pursued.

In a judgment of 6 June 2024, the Second Civil Chamber of the French Supreme Court applied this solution for the first time to disputes concerning work-related accidents. It approved the Court of Appeal's (Cour d’appel) ruling that an employee could produce an audio recording made without the knowledge of the director of the company with whom he had had an altercation, in order to obtain recognition both of the work-related nature of the accident resulting from this altercation and of the employer's inexcusable fault, after observing that the court had carefully balanced the director's right to respect for his private life and the victim's right to evidence.

Employment law

Repeated sexist comments by an employee are culpable and justify dismissal

An employee who repeatedly insults colleagues using mildly sexist language is guilty of misconduct justifying dismissal, regardless of the employer's past tolerance.

Employment law

No compensation for notice for an employee who refuses a change in working conditions

An employee who refuses a simple change in working conditions may be dismissed for misconduct. In this case, the employer may require that the notice period, if any, be performed under the new working conditions. An employee who refuses loses all entitlement to compensation for notice (French Supreme Court, Labour Division, 23-10-2024 no. 22-22.917 F-D, Association Essor c/ E).

Real estate law

Consequences of an ancient promise to sell: revocation and invalidity of the price

It is impossible for the promisor to withdraw from the unilateral undertaking to sell unless otherwise stipulated in the contract. Whether the price is too low is determined at the date of the unilateral undertaking to sell and not, as in matters of lesion, at the date of exercise of the option.

Real estate law

The seller's right to occupancy compensation is not conditional on absence of fault on his part

While the seller's bad faith does not deprive him of his right to restitution in respect of the occupation of the property sold after the invalidation of the sale, a purchaser acting in good faith only has to pay this value from the date of the claim (French Supreme Court 3rd Civil Division 5-12-2024 no. 23-16.270 FS-B).

Real estate law

Legal standing for a non-professional creditor in a compulsory sale of the principal residence of a debtor in compulsory liquidation

A creditor with a charge over real property, to whom the declaration of unseizability of a property belonging to a debtor in compulsory liquidation cannot be set up against, may proceed with its sale on seizure. The non-professional creditor's right to bring an action is recognised because it is not an action to order the debtor to pay a sum of money prohibited by article L. 622-21 of the French Commercial Code (French Supreme Court, Commercial Division, 20 November 2024, F-B, no. 23-19.924).

Consequences and Remedies for Italian and European Companies

January 13, 2025 - Prepared by Melchionna PLLC Law Firm, New York

Is there a tangible risk for Italian and European companies exporting goods and services to the U.S., starting January 20, 2025, with the inauguration of the new Trump administration? This question concerns businesses operating in various sectors, including raw materials, manufacturing, fashion, food, beverages and alcohol, mechanics and components, and chemicals, to name just a few.

The Scenario

During his election campaign, Trump stated his intention to target China and Europe and to implement measures similar to those taken during his first administration. At that time, steel and aluminum, for example, were subject to tariffs of 25% and 10%, respectively. This time, however, Trump has pledged to impose generalized protectionist tariffs ranging from 10% to 20%. It is worth noting that Europe has already been threatened with new tariffs if it refuses to import U.S. energy products (coal, oil, and gas). Trump has also declared his intention to introduce 100% tariffs against the “BRIC” bloc (Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and UAE) if they decide to adopt a currency competing with the dollar.

1. Economic Forecasts in the Event of New Tariffs for Europe

Initially, new tariffs on goods and services imported into the U.S. would make these products more expensive for American consumers (an aspect that—according to many observers—could politically harm Trump in the long term), thus driving inflation higher.

Regarding the European economy, forecasts indicate that tariffs would further burden an already stagnant economy. According to economists at Citi Bank, undifferentiated 10% tariffs could reduce the GDP of the European area by 0.3% over two years. The value of European companies could decrease by 1% or 2% per share. Both institutional and individual investors have already shown signs of disinvesting from the European area and productive sectors most likely to be affected by tariffs, leading to a further tightening of credit availability. Occasional tariff exemptions would undoubtedly have a political justification.

Germany’s Economic Institute (IW) has calculated that Trump’s new tariffs would cost Germany approximately €180 billion over four years. For the French Center for International Economic Studies (CEPII), Italy is expected to suffer a GDP contraction of 1.20%.

These are the direct impacts. Indirect effects appear even more problematic: Trump’s promise to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods could lead Asian companies to divert products initially destined for the U.S. market to Europe, resulting in lower prices for European end consumers and reduced profit margins for many European companies (notably, Chinese electric vehicles currently face a 100% tariff in the U.S.).

The prospect of retaliation is challenging and unlikely, as 25% of goods the EU imports from the U.S. consist of oil, coal, and natural gas—products unlikely to be subjected to new tariffs. The same applies to pharmaceutical products. Europe might consider commercial retaliation against China (as it has in the past), although some goods are already subject to high tariffs (for example, Chinese electric vehicles enter Europe with a 35.3% tariff).

2. What is the Political Scenario?

In U.S. law, only tariffs exist (unlike in Italian law, where both tariffs and duties are distinguished). According to many observers, Trump’s statements on new tariffs, both during and after his campaign, aim to force foreign companies and governments to renegotiate their positions. Tariffs, as is well known, have a political basis. Trump and his team have promoted tariffs through an extensive communication campaign via traditional and digital media, as well as social media. In doing so, they have sought to convince American consumers of the significant domestic benefits that tariffs will bring. However, most experts in economics and economic history do not agree with this prediction.

While Trump currently sees tariffs as an expression of "patriotic protectionism" and, above all, as a powerful tool for geopolitical purposes, it will ultimately be end consumers who decide on the efficacy of this policy. What matters for Italian companies exporting their products to the U.S. is to pay attention to short-term policies and recalibrate their commercial operations based on a clear understanding of the available options to maintain stability and continuity.

3. What Are the Legal Grounds?

Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress exclusive authority to legislate on tariffs. However, over time, Congress has delegated this power to the President in certain circumstances. The President could invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act (1974) (as was done for new tariffs on Chinese goods); Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (1962) (as was the case for steel and aluminum imports); or Section 203 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is even faster since it does not require an investigation by federal agencies if the President concurrently declares a national emergency under the National Emergency Act (NEA).

The regulatory framework becomes even more complex when considering the provisions related to tariffs, including exemptions and appeals, sanctions, actions by CFIUS (the U.S. committee overseeing the admissibility of foreign investments), changes to nearshoring rules, and the renegotiation of current bi- or multilateral agreements (especially those with Canada and Mexico).

4. What Are the Impacts and Solutions to Best Prepare?

A significant number of Italian and European companies operating in the U.S. will likely need to assess whether their products and services will be subject to new tariffs. If so, they must quickly decide how to respond. Since the new Trump administration will select goods and services for new tariffs arbitrarily and unpredictably, the response time of affected companies will be crucial for competitiveness and success in the U.S. market. Companies that prepare a response plan today will be able to implement it and successfully navigate the next four years.

Diversified, well-tested, and tailor-made solutions are available.

For further information, please contact Melchionna PLLC Law Firm in New York.

DECREE ON LABOR IMMOBILITY 2025–2026

Published in Official Gazette No. 6,868 (Extraordinary) on December 27, 2024, Decree No. 5,070 (the “Decree”) establishes labor immobility for workers in both the public and private sectors from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Accordingly, workers protected under this labor immobility cannot be dismissed, downgraded, or transferred without just cause, which must be previously qualified by the Labor Inspector of their jurisdiction.

Beneficiaries of the Decree:(i) Workers hired under indefinite-term contracts starting from the first month of service to their employer.(ii) Workers hired under fixed-term contracts for the duration specified in the contract.(iii) Workers hired for a specific project, as long as their obligation remains unfulfilled.

Exceptions:The Decree does not apply to management-level employees or seasonal and occasional workers. The stability of public officials is governed by the protective provisions of the Public Service Statute Act.

Non-compliance:Failure to adhere to the labor immobility provisions established in the Decree grants the worker the right to request reinstatement, payment of wages and other unpaid benefits, or the restoration of the violated legal situation. Such claims must be filed within thirty (30) consecutive days following dismissal, downgrading, or transfer. These requests will be processed with priority over any other procedure by the Labor Inspectors, in accordance with the Decree with Rank, Value, and Force of Organic Law of Labor and Workers (“LOTTT”).

Employers who obstruct or fail to comply with reinstatement orders or the restoration of the violated legal situation, or those who breach labor immobility provisions, will be subject to sanctions under the Decree and the LOTTT.

Effective Date:The Decree will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

For access to the full Decree, click here.

Banking & Finance

The Venezuelan Central Bank (VCB) established the interest rates applicable to obligations derived from employment relationships (59.30% and 47.65% - October 2024) and to transactions with credit cards (60.00% annual maximum lending rate and 17.00% annual minimum lending rate - November 2024). (Official Gazette of 11/18/2024. Official Notice. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Tax

The National Integrated Service of Customs and Tax Administration (Servicio Nacional Integrado de Administración Aduanera y Tributaria - SENIAT) legalized the issue and circulation of liquor warranty seals. (Official Gazette of 11/25/2024. Administrative Ruling No. SNAT/2024/000113. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Civil Aeronautics

The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil - INAC) issued an Administrative Ruling the purpose of which is to establish the General Conditions of Air Transportation, in relation to the rights and obligations of the passengers that contract for air transportation services, as well as the duties, rights and obligations of the operators of the service of air transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail, in national and international, regular and nonregular operations, within, from and towards the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and all matters concerning the civil liability for the damages affecting the users’ interests. Administrative Ruling No. PRE-CJU-GDA398-16, published in Official Gazette No. 6.228 Extraordinary of 05/18/2016, which contains the General Conditions of Air Transportation, was repealed. (Official Gazette of 11/05/2024. Administrative Ruling No. PRE-CJU-GDA-308-24. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

The INAC issued the following Aeronautical Regulations: Venezuelan Aeronautical Regulation 110 (RAV 110) Safe Air Transportation of Hazardous Goods, the purpose of which is to establish the technical aeronautical rules that will govern the safe air transportation of hazardous goods. Administrative Ruling No. PRE-CJU-107-13, published in Official Gazette No. 6.099 Extraordinary of 05/23/2013, called “Air Transportation of Hazardous Goods”, was revoked. 2.- Venezuelan Aeronautical Regulation 39 (RAV 39) Airworthiness Directives, the purpose of which is to establish the requirements related to the Airworthiness Directives. Administrative Ruling No. PRE-CJU-129-23, published in Official Gazette No. 6.753 Extraordinary of 07/28/2023 that contains Venezuelan Aeronautical Regulation 39 (RAV 39), called ‘Airworthiness Directives”, was revoked. 3.- Venezuelan Aeronautical Regulation 277 (RAV 277) “Aeronautical Meteorological Service”, the purpose of which is to establish the use of the Procedures for the Aeronautical Meteorological Service that integrates the Services into Air Navigation.

Administrative Ruling No. PRE-CJU-GDA-182-19, published in Official Gazette No. 6.462 Extraordinary, dated 07/01/2019 that contains Venezuelan Aeronautical Regulation 277 (RAV 277), called “Aeronautical Meteorological Service” was revoked. (Official Gazette of 11/11/2024, 11/20/2024, and 11/21/2024. Administrative Rulings No. PRE-CJU-346-24, No. PRE-CJU-GDA-411- 24, and No. PRE-CJU-GDA-412-24. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Miscellaneous

The National Assembly issued the Law that Approves the “Agreement between the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the government of the People’s Republic of China relating to the Promotion and Protection of Investments”, the purpose of which is to establish, maintain, and consolidate a juridical framework that facilitates and promotes direct reciprocal cross-border investments made by investors of the contracting parties, with the purpose of promoting both countries’ productive development. (Official Gazette No. 6.852 Extraordinary of 11/13/2024). The National Assembly issued the Law of Audit, Regularization, Actions and Financing of Non-governmental Organizations and Notfor-Profit Social Organizations. Article 67 of the Law of Registries and Notaries’ Offices is repealed. All provisions that are contrary to this Law are repealed. (Official Gazette No. 6.855 Extraordinary of 11/15/2024. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

The Ministry of the Popular Power for Transportation established the minimum and maximum rates for urban transportation service. Likewise, it established the maximum official rate for suburban routes nationwide to be charged by the providers of the public service of ground passenger transportation. The Official Request published in Official Gazette of 03/19/2024 and Resolution No. 014, published in Official Gazette of 03/19/2024, were revoked. (Official Gazette of 11/22/2024. Official Request and Resolution No. 049. Entry into force: As from December 1, 2024). The National Assembly issued the Simón Bolívar Organic Law against Imperialist Blockade and for Defense of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. All legal or sublegal rules that conflict with the Law are repealed. (Official Gazette No. 6.859 Extraordinary of 11/29/2014. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Us tax planning: strategies for the end of the year

As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to consider various US Tax Planning strategies that could impact your tax return in April 2025. From buying a private plane to realizing gains or losses, these actions can help you optimize your tax situation.READ MORE

Donald Trum's victory: economic impacts in the U.S. and consequences for Brazil

Donald Trump’s victory for a new term as President of the United States brings profound implications for the global economy. Trump’s promises to implement protectionist measures, increase tariffs, and cut taxes, along with an aggressive stance toward trade partners, could have significant effects on both international markets and the Brazilian economy.READ MORE

USCIS Policy drive growth in stem and extraordinary ability VISA applications

USCIS introduced significant updates to its policy guidance, providing clearer pathways for STEM professionals (People who work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathmatics) and extraordinary ability individuals to access U.S. immigration benefits.READ MORE

News from Brazil

Integration of startups from the north and northeast regions of Brazil stimulates local innovation ecosysytems

With the support of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), startups from the North and Northeast regions are gaining prominence at Web Summit Lisboa , one of the largest technology events in the world.READ MORE

With a focus on the environment and society, Brazil takes 400 startups to Lisbon

Apex, Sebrae and the federal government double the participation of companies in the Web Summit.READ MORE

Brazil's GDP grows 0.9% in Q3 2024. as expected

Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 0.9% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, showing a slowdown compared to the 1.4% growth recorded in the second quarter.READ MORE

Latin American and Caribbean Countries discuss best practices in Digital Governance

Security mechanisms in the digital environment need to be as fast and creative as cybercriminals, in order to minimize risks to the provision of digital services by governments. Illegal practices that cross borders make partnerships between countries, as well as clearer and more efficient regulations, increasingly necessary.READ MORE

Petrobras and Bndes form partnership for restoration in the Amazon

An agreement for ecological restoration with job and income generation in the Legal Amazon was signed by the president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, and the president of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante. The protocol of intentions foresees an investment of R$100 million over the next five years, with R$50 million coming from the Amazon Fund.READ MORE

On 8 December 2024, the new Product Liability Directive officially comes into force, marking a significant evolution in European product liability law. This Directive updates the 1985 framework, addressing modern challenges posed by emerging technologies, digital goods, and AI-driven products.

Key Highlights of the New Directive:

Expanded Scope:

The Directive now explicitly includes software, digital products, and AI systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both traditional goods and innovative technologies.

Enhanced Consumer Protections:

Consumers will benefit from clearer and more accessible claims processes, with reduced evidentiary burdens when proving harm caused by defective products.

Increased Responsibility for Manufacturers and Operators:

Companies must ensure that their products—whether physical or digital—meet stringent safety standards. Producers, distributors, and even operators of AI systems may now face liability for damages.

Focus on AI and Autonomous Systems:

With the rise of AI-driven products, the Directive introduces specific provisions for algorithmic accountability, addressing potential risks related to AI behavior and decision-making.

Implications for Businesses:

Organizations operating within the EU must take proactive steps to comply with the new Directive. This includes:

• Conducting thorough risk assessments of their products.

• Implementing stronger safety protocols for AI and software.

• Reviewing insurance coverage to address expanded liability risks.

Why This Matters:

The updated Directive is a direct response to the digital transformation of the global economy. It reinforces consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of innovative products, while holding businesses accountable in a fair and transparent manner.

Grimaldi Alliance is closely monitoring these developments. If your business needs guidance on navigating this new regulatory landscape, our team of experts is here to help.

Banking and Finance

The Venezuelan Central Bank (VCB) established the interest rates applicable to obligations derived from employment relationships (59.26% and 47.63% - August 2024; 59.23% and 47.62% - September 2024) and to transactions with credit cards (60.00% annual maximum lending rate and 17.00% annual minimum lending rate - September and October 2024). (Official Gazette of 10/29/2024. Official Notices. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette). BANKING AND FINANCE TAX Bonded Warehouse Regime and not used, must be delivered to the Regional Management, Sector or Unit of Internal Taxes of the domicile of the taxpayer for destruction; 4) the liquor warranty seals identified with designation F-07-2015 or years preceding 2015 that are in SENIAT’s custody must be destroyed in accordance with the procedures established in the rules that govern the matter. (Official Gazette of 10/08/2024. Administrative Ruling SNAT/2024/000098. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Tax

The National Integrated Service of Customs and Tax Administration (Servicio Nacional Integrado de Administración Aduanera y Tributaria - SENIAT) issued an Administrative Ruling with the purpose of regulating the use and period of effectiveness of the Warranty Seals to be placed on the Taxed Species of National and Imported Production. Said Ruling established: 1) the liquor warranty seals acquired by the producers or importers of taxed species may not be transferred, assigned or sold; 2) the liquor warranty seals the issue and circulation of which is authorized by SENIAT may be used for a period of two years as from the date of acquisition; 3) the liquor warranty seals identified with designation F-07-2015 or years preceding 2015, acquired under the Bonded Warehouse Regime and not used, must be delivered to the Regional Management, Sector or Unit of Internal Taxes of the domicile of the taxpayer for destruction; 4) the liquor warranty seals identified with designation F-07-2015 or years preceding 2015 that are in SENIAT’s custody must be destroyed in accordance with the procedures established in the rules that govern the matter. (Official Gazette of 10/08/2024. Administrative Ruling SNAT/2024/000098. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Civil Aeronautics

The Ministries of the Popular Power for Ecosocialism and for Transportation issued the rules to coordinate the environmental management in the civil aeronautics activity carried out at the national and international airfields and airports of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. (Official Gazette of 10/11/2024. Joint Resolution. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).

Miscellaneous

The Autonomous Service of Registries and Notaries’ Offices (Servicio Autónomo de Registros y Notarías - SAREN) issued an Administrative Ruling with the purpose of regulating the implementation of electronic means in the processes carried out by the SAREN, in order to optimize the service of registries and notaries’ offices, in relation to the verification of the identity of the executing parties, through the biometric analysis of the user identification elements, in the framework of the electronic handling of the registry and notary processes carried out by said Service. The implementation of fingerprint biometry electronic means will be progressively applied, starting at the notaries’ offices located in the capital region. (Official Gazette of 10/17/2024. Administrative Ruling No. 525. Entry into force: Upon publication in the Official Gazette).