On January 15, 2025, the European Commission (the “EC”) published a recommendation (the “Recommendation”)[1] addressed to all EU Member States urging them to review “outbound investments” in certain critical technologies sectors, notably semiconductors, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and quantum technologies.Continue Reading The EU Commission Urges Member States to Review Outbound Investments
Mirko von Bieberstein
Overall number of German FDI screenings slightly dropped in 2023, but review follows the trends of prior years
By Mirko von Bieberstein & Lukas Nigl on
The German FDI authority, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (“BMWK”), has published the German FDI screening statistics for 2023.[1]Continue Reading Overall number of German FDI screenings slightly dropped in 2023, but review follows the trends of prior years
EU Takes Time to Ready Outbound Investment Control Toolkit
On January 24, 2024, the European Commission (“EC”) adopted five initiatives as part of the European Economic Security Strategy unveiled in June 2023.[1] The initiatives are aimed at bolstering the EU’s economic security interests. Their main focus is a proposal for a new EU FDI Screening Regulation aimed at inbound investments.[2] But the package also includes a white paper on outbound investment control (the “White Paper”),[3] launching a debate on whether and how to scrutinize investment outflows from the EU for the first time in the Union’s history.Continue Reading EU Takes Time to Ready Outbound Investment Control Toolkit
The evaluation of the German FDI Regime – Cornerstones of potential revisions revealed
By Mirko von Bieberstein & Lukas Nigl on
Foreign direct investment policies around the globe continue to adjust to the changing geo-political environment. In particular, the US and the European Union as well as certain Member States are in the process of revising their investment screening regimes, including the introduction of new tools such as outbound investment screening and the European Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Generally, the focus of these policy adjustments is on Chinese investments.Continue Reading The evaluation of the German FDI Regime – Cornerstones of potential revisions revealed
Germany Takes Over Control of German Gazprom Subsidiary by Using Unprecedented Measures Under Germany’s FDI Regime
By Mirko von Bieberstein on
On 4 April 2022, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz – “BMWK“) seized control over Gazprom Germania GmbH (“Gazprom Germany“) by implementing measures under the German FDI rules. The decision was executed by way of a publicly issued administrative act, based on grounds of imminent danger for public order and security.
Continue Reading Germany Takes Over Control of German Gazprom Subsidiary by Using Unprecedented Measures Under Germany’s FDI Regime