News

Tine Elisabeth Vigmostad

Update on US-Venezuela relations

22/12/2025

Intensified sanctions targeting Russian and Iranian shadow fleets; EU agrees to phase out Russian gas imports

Recent weeks have seen significant sanctions activity across multiple jurisdictions, with particular focus on Russia's shadow fleet, and the EU has reached a landmark agreement to permanently phase out Russian gas imports.

23/10/2025

EU adopts 19th sanctions package; UK and US target oil majors Lukoil and Rosneft

Last week, the UK designated Russia's largest oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft on the asset freeze list. Last night, the US followed suit, designating both entities on the SDN list. Today, the EU adopted its 19th sanctions package, targeting the Russian shadow fleet and LNG exports.

16/10/2025

New EU tariffs on steel and Chinese export controls on rare earths

On October 7, 2025, the EU Commission proposed new protective measures on steel. Subsequently, on October 9, 2025, China announced new export controls on rare earths. These two measures are among several recently announced by major trading nations, reflecting the current tense geopolitical landscape. They also affect stakeholders in third countries, including Norway.

09/10/2025

Top ranked inn all IFLR1000 categories

We are thrilled to share that we’ve once again been ranked Tier 1 in all categories by the IFLR1000. Our teams are celebrated for their sharp expertise, vast experience, and unmatched ability to cut through complexity – delivering advice that’s not just smart, but actionable.

03/10/2025

Iran sanctions - snapback of UN sanctions with additional autonomous measures imposed by the EU and UK

Recent developments have resulted in the full reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran, targeting the country's nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes. This, in turn, has triggered the EU and UK to adopt even broader restrictions against certain sectors in Iran and against persons and individuals connected with Iran.

01/10/2025

New '50 percent rule' adopted by BIS to address diversion concerns

On 29 September 2025, the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) introduced a significant expansion of US export control measures by adopting the 'Affiliates Rule' under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This means that end-user controls are applied also on companies owned at least 50% or more by entities on the list in scope.

19/09/2025

Recent Developments in UK, EU, and Norway

There have been recent developments in sanctions regimes across the UK, EU, and Norway, with particular focus on new designations, regulatory guidance, and price cap adjustments targeting Russian entities. The changes highlight increased enforcement and tightening of restrictions in response to ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

05/09/2025

UK 'failure to prevent fraud' offence comes into force

The corporate offence of 'failure to prevent fraud', established by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), is now in force as of 1 September 2025. This marks a significant new phase for large organisations with UK connections, which should now take steps towards active mitigation of fraud risks.

26/08/2025

The US and EU reach a Framework Agreement on Trade

On 21 August 2025, The United States and the European Union announced that they had reached a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade. In this update, we provide an overview of the key takeaways from the Framework Agreement and how it may affect entities trading with the US.

19/07/2025

The EU's 18th sanctions package and other key sanctions updates

Today, the EU adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, targeting primarily Russia's energy sector and banking sector. Additionally, there have been several other notable updates across various jurisdictions, including new measures in relation to Russian hybrid threats and updated sanctions targeting Iran, Syria, Haiti and Moldova.

20/06/2025

Tariff Evasion

Ongoing tariff and trade tensions across the globe have led many businesses to adapt, or consider adapting, their operations to avoid or minimise impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions. In this Tariff and Trade Alert, we discuss the distinction between lawful and reasonable adaptions and illegal circumvention that businesses should be aware of.

20/06/2025

Relief in Syria sanctions – a brief summary of key updates from US, EU, UK, and Norway

On 23 May 2025, the US provided for an immediate relief of sanctions against Syria by the implementation of Syria General License (GL) 25. A few days later, the Council of the EU followed up with the adaptation of legal acts lifting all economic restrictive measures on Syria, apart from measures targeting security. Similar measures are also taken by UK authorities.

12/06/2025

At the Top Among Norway’s Leading Purchasers

Wikborg Rein has achieved a top ranking in this year’s Prospera survey. Among the largest clients in the country, Wikborg Rein has been ranked as the preferred law firm.

20/05/2025

New round of sanctions targeting the Russian shadow fleet

Today, the EU adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, targeting primarily the Russian shadow fleet. The new package follows in the footsteps of the UK, who announced their largest package of sanctions against the shadow fleet earlier in May. The UK also announced more than one hundred additional designations today.

13/05/2025

Tariff and Trade Talks Moving Forward

The 'Liberation Day' tariffs announced by President Trump in April 2025 have substantially altered the international trade landscape, generating widespread uncertainty among businesses and industries. In particular, potential countermeasures and trade agreements have to a large extent been unresolved issues that many are eagerly awaiting.

25/04/2025

Further US Trade Restrictions and Export Controls Amidst Ongoing Trade War with China

On March 25, 2025, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 80 entities from China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, Iran, Taiwan, and other countries to the Entity List for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy. This represents another measure in the ongoing trade war between the US and China.

25/04/2025

Navigating Tariffs, Geopolitical Shifts and Changing Business Landscapes

In this update, we provide a key overview of the recent developments within tariffs and trade restrictions, in light of the current geopolitical landscape and discuss implications for businesses, alongside strategies for navigating these challenges moving forward.

26/03/2025

Top ranked across all 20 practice areas in Legal 500

The results from Legal 500 EMEA 2025 is here and we are honoured to be ranked as Tier 1 in the following areas:

20/03/2025

All-time high results in Chambers Europe 2025

We are truly happy about this important and acknowledged recognition. This is a team effort to which the whole of Wikborg Rein has contributed, and we are truly happy with these results!

24/02/2025

Three years of war: New sanctions adopted by the EU and the UK

As anticipated, the European Union has reached an agreement on its 16th sanctions package against Russia, and the UK has announced its largest package of sanctions against Russia since 2022. The new measures aim to intensify pressure on the Kremlin on the day of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This package highlights the EU and UK's continued commitment to weakening Russia's war capabilities and supporting Ukraine, despite the concerns regarding the US' potential pressure on the EU the alleviate sanctions against Russia.

13/02/2025

Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Global 2025

It is with great pleasure that we announce that once again we have been top-ranked in the prestigious Chambers Global rankings. We deeply appreciate this recognition from our clients, which confirms that they regard us as one of the leading players in the industry.

24/01/2025

Invitation to the Sanctions and Money Laundering Day 2025

On February 13, we are opening the doors of the National Museum in Oslo for the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Day - featuring authorities, experts, and key industry players on stage. The seminar will also be streamed live.

14/01/2025

The US introduces extensive measures targeting the Russian energy sector and oil revenues

On Friday 10 January 2025, the US introduced extensive measures targeting the Russian energy sector and Russia's oil revenues. The measures include the designation of 183 vessels, many of which are deemed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet, as well as oil traders, oilfield service providers, marine insurance companies and energy officials. The UK also joined the US in sanctioning the two major Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

18/12/2024

Updates on latest sanctions developments in the Iranian and Venezuelan sanctions programmes

In this sanctions alert, we seek to summarise some recent developments relating to US and EU sanctions.

16/12/2024

The EU's 15th package adopted today and latest developments in the EU, UK and US Russia sanctions programmes

The EU today adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia. We include a key summary of these new measures as well as further updates on recent developments relating to Norwegian, EU, UK and US sanctions.

09/10/2024

New EU sanctions framework under the Russia regime and entry into force of UK framework for enforcement of trade, aircraft and shipping sanctions

Yesterday, on 8 October 2024, the EU Council established a new framework under the Russia sanctions regime in response to hybrid threats from Russia. Tomorrow, 10 October 2024, will see the entry into force of the UK's new framework for enforcement of trade, aircraft and shipping sanctions.

07/10/2024

Expanded Norwegian export controls for critical goods and technologies and updates to the EU Dual-Use List

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced significant amendments to the Export Control Regulations and introduced a new Annex of additional controlled goods. Additionally, several EU Member States have imposed unilateral export controls, and we note that the EU Dual-Use List has recently been updated.

12/09/2024

Tier 1 in all IFLR1000 Categories

We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded Tier 1 in all five categories in the International Financial Law Review (IFLR1000).

24/06/2024

New package of sanctions from the EU and US, and other recent developments

In this sanctions alert we provide an update on recent developments in the EU, UK and US sanctions against Russia.

18/04/2024

Recent developments, including new US sanctions restricting imports of aluminium, copper and nickel and wind-down of General License on Venezuela

In this sanctions alert we seek to summarise recent developments relating to Norwegian, EU, UK and US sanctions, including US and UK prohibitions on import of certain Russian-origin metals, wind-down of transactions related to oil and gas sector operations in Venezuela, EU's minimum rules for prosecution of and penalties for violating EU sanctions, and the implementation of the EU's 12th and 13th package of sanctions against Russia into the Norwegian Ukraine Regulation.

14/03/2024

Download our Crisis Management app

Wikborg Rein’s Crisis Management Tool is now ready for download. The tool provides practical, immediate and step-by[1]step guidance in case of various types of crises arising as a result of unannounced inspections and controls by the police or other public authorities.

13/03/2024

Sanctions issued following the two-year anniversary of the invasion

In this sanctions alert, we include updates on recent developments following the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

15/02/2024

Are all state-owned Russian companies controlled by President Putin?

This was a question many asked after a recent judgment from the English Court of Appeal. Sanctions target those designated as well as those owned or controlled by designated persons. Understanding the precise scope of what constitutes ‘control’ under UK sanctions can be challenging. In this article we shed some light on this analysis, based on recent case law.

15/02/2024

Enforcing an award contrary to sanctions, an issue of ’public policy’?

The past few years have illustrated with a vast intensity the relevance of international sanctions for an ever expanding number of businesses and sectors. This backdrop has also led to a significant increase in sanctions related disputes, which in turn has led to discussions regarding enforcement of arbitral awards that contravene applicable sanctions.

15/02/2024

The Crackdown on Price Cap Evasion and the BIMCO Russian Oil Price Cap Scheme Clause for Charter Parties

The BIMCO Russian Oil Price Cap Scheme Clause was long-anticipated when it was published on 2 June 2023. There has since been growing concern that the original Price Cap Measures were easy to circumvent, and in this article we examine the impact of the latest measures to combat such evasion.

02/02/2024

Invites to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Day 2024

On February 15th, we open the doors for the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Day 2024 in Oslo- with speakers including American sanction authorities (OFAC), American export control authorities (BIS), and the EU Commission.

24/01/2024

EU recent developments

The EU Council established a new sanctions framework targeting Guatemala. A new framework is also established by the EU for imposing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

19/12/2023

EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia

The long-awaited 12th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine was announced yesterday afternoon on the 18th of December. As expected, the package includes restrictions on additional goods of Russian origin, including diamonds, measures to strengthen the price cap on Russian oil and a significant amount of new designated individuals and entities.

26/10/2023

Collaborative report on use of sanctions as a human rights instrument and effectiveness of sanctions against Russia

A report published on 26 October 2023 outlines the increasing use of sanctions as a tool for protecting human rights, while highlighting the gaps in enforcement of sanctions against Russia, with a focus primarily on Europe. The report is a collaborative product by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and risk analysis company Corisk, with contributions from Wikborg Rein and consultancy agency Rud Pedersen.

23/10/2023

The US introduces Venezuela sanctions relief

On 18 October 2023, OFAC issued three new general licenses and amended three existing general licenses related to Venezuela in response to the signing of an electoral roadmap agreement between the Venezuela Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime. These actions by the US introduces, among other things, a sanctions relief for the Venezuelan oil and gas sector and gold sector in support of the Venezuelan people. OFAC also published related FAQs.

20/10/2023

Intensified sanctions targeting Russian and Iranian shadow fleets; EU agrees to phase out Russian gas imports

EU adopts 19th sanctions package; UK and US target oil majors Lukoil and Rosneft

New EU tariffs on steel and Chinese export controls on rare earths

Top ranked inn all IFLR1000 categories

Iran sanctions - snapback of UN sanctions with additional autonomous measures imposed by the EU and UK

New '50 percent rule' adopted by BIS to address diversion concerns

Recent Developments in UK, EU, and Norway

UK 'failure to prevent fraud' offence comes into force

The US and EU reach a Framework Agreement on Trade

The EU's 18th sanctions package and other key sanctions updates

Tariff Evasion

Relief in Syria sanctions – a brief summary of key updates from US, EU, UK, and Norway

At the Top Among Norway’s Leading Purchasers

New round of sanctions targeting the Russian shadow fleet

Tariff and Trade Talks Moving Forward

Further US Trade Restrictions and Export Controls Amidst Ongoing Trade War with China

Navigating Tariffs, Geopolitical Shifts and Changing Business Landscapes

Top ranked across all 20 practice areas in Legal 500

All-time high results in Chambers Europe 2025

Three years of war: New sanctions adopted by the EU and the UK

Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Global 2025

Invitation to the Sanctions and Money Laundering Day 2025

The US introduces extensive measures targeting the Russian energy sector and oil revenues

Updates on latest sanctions developments in the Iranian and Venezuelan sanctions programmes

The EU's 15th package adopted today and latest developments in the EU, UK and US Russia sanctions programmes

New EU sanctions framework under the Russia regime and entry into force of UK framework for enforcement of trade, aircraft and shipping sanctions

Expanded Norwegian export controls for critical goods and technologies and updates to the EU Dual-Use List

Tier 1 in all IFLR1000 Categories

New package of sanctions from the EU and US, and other recent developments

Recent developments, including new US sanctions restricting imports of aluminium, copper and nickel and wind-down of General License on Venezuela

Download our Crisis Management app

Sanctions issued following the two-year anniversary of the invasion

Are all state-owned ­Russian ­companies controlled by ­President Putin?

Enforcing an award ­contrary to sanctions, an issue of ’public policy’?

The Crackdown on Price Cap Evasion and the BIMCO Russian Oil Price Cap Scheme Clause for Charter Parties

Invites to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Day 2024

EU recent developments

EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia

Collaborative report on use of sanctions as a human rights instrument and effectiveness of sanctions against Russia

The US introduces Venezuela sanctions relief

UK recent developments

EU recent developments – new sanctions framework for Sudan

Recent developments in EU and UK sanctions

Recent developments: Russia-related sanctions

Are all state-owned Russian companies controlled by President Putin?

Enforcing an award contrary to sanctions, an issue of ’public policy’?