The extent to which healthcare differs from state to state is one of the largest surprises faced by foreign businesses expanding into the US. The United States mixes federal laws with state-specific restrictions, in contrast to many other nations with centralized healthcare systems. As a result, there are notable variations in insurance requirements, coverage, and prices throughout the nation. Why States Affect Health Insurance in the United States Each state has its own regulations on coverage requirements, available carriers, and provider...

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The U.S.-China trade war is escalating, and it’s creating more uncertainty for importers. President Trump recently threatened an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, effective November 1, due to China’s actions restricting access to rare earth minerals. After some strongly worded pushback from China, President Trump acknowledged on Friday that the threatened high tariffs on Chinese goods were “not sustainable” but are still planned for implementation. In other tariff news, there are signals that auto tariffs may be easing, while supply chains everywhere...

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European Commission’s new AI strategies The European Commission (“Commission”) has announced two complementary strategies this month to accelerate AI across EU industry and science. The “Apply AI Strategy” is the EU’s overarching AI sectoral strategy which focuses on deploying AI in key sectors such as healthcare, energy, mobility, manufacturing, and public services. In parallel, the Commission’s “AI in Science Strategy” aims to position Europe at the forefront of AI-driven research and scientific innovation by supporting the development and use of AI...

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Europe Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism On September 29, the European Council adopted a regulation to simplify the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as part of the Omnibus I legislative package. The reform is designed to ease administrative burdens and reduce compliance costs, particularly for SMEs, while preserving CBAM’s climate ambition, which continues to cover approximately 99% of embedded emissions in imported goods. Notable changes include a new de minimis threshold that exempts importers from CBAM obligations for up to 50 tons annually, streamlining requirements for...

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• Strategic orientation approved by Board of Directors focuses on win-win global partnerships and a strong European voice in the world. • EIB Global will tailor approaches by region and sector, aligned with EU priorities. • Strengthened support for Ukraine, new tools, and streamlined procedures. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has approved strategic orientations for EIB Global, its international partnerships and development arm. The plan targets global challenges and amplifies Europe’s voice in a changing geopolitical landscape. It streamlines support for high-impact...

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IPTI’s usual monthly newsletter - the “President’s Message” - contains, inter alia, some summarised news articles from around the world. This IPTI publication - “Property Tax in the News” - contains some of the more interesting news articles concerning property taxes in North America and Europe which is where many of our members have a particular interest. Links to these and more, similarly summarised, articles - from North America, Europe and around the globe - can be found in...

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• EIB Board adopts second phase of pioneering Climate Bank Roadmap, focusing on competitiveness, security and lower energy prices for companies and families. • Plan includes doubling of investment for climate change adaptation, along with radically simplified procedures. • Decision consolidates EIB Group’s role as the Climate Bank and reaffirms commitment to staying the course as anchor financier of the green industrial revolution. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is pressing ahead with phase two of its pioneering Climate Bank Roadmap, staying...

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