Articles on wr.no

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.

27/03/2025

WR ESG Alert: Norway follows up on Omnibus-package, whilst the EFTA Court issues advisory opinion on interpretation of EU Water Framework Directive

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight Norway’s follow-up actions in the wake of the EU release of the Omnibus package, the EFTA Court’s recent advisory opinion in the case regarding disposal of mining waste in Førdefjorden, and public consultations on the new ESG Regulation.

27/02/2025

EU Omnibus package proposes significant simplifications, while the first Transparency Act penalty is overturned

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the EU Commission's Omnibus package, which proposes significant simplifications to EU legislation on sustainability and human rights. We also describe the overturn of the first infringement penalty issued under the Transparency Act, and the proposed implementation of the EU Regulation on Waste Shipments into Norwegian law.