In what may be a surprise to those who thought that restrictions on the use of noncompetes would go away with the change in administration, this week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the agency will form a Joint Labor Task Force that will “prioritize rooting out and prosecuting deceptive, unfair, and anticompetitive labor-market practices that harm American workers.” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson issued a memorandum reminding everyone that the FTC’s authority includes protecting American consumers in their role...

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In recent weeks, while Russia's war on Ukraine continues and Beijing continues to harass its neighbors, the U.S. tariff threats and doubts that its defense commitments will be sustained, have emerged as the most significant challenge for businesses, investors, and policymakers. These tariffs are aimed at protecting domestic industries, forcing a re-shoring of production, and raising revenue. If, and when implemented, the tariffs can be expected to impact economic growth, inflation, and various industrial sectors. It signals a further...

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The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is continuing to strengthen the network of Finnish missions abroad by opening a third Consulate General in the United States. The new Consulate General will be located in Houston, Texas. Finland currently has three foreign missions in the United States: the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., and Consulates General in New York on the East Coast and Los Angeles on the West Coast. The Consulate General in Houston is scheduled to start its operations...

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EU unveils €100 billion Clean Industrial Deal to boost green competitiveness On Wednesday, 26 February, the European Commission announced its plan for EU competitiveness and decarbonisation through the Clean Industrial Deal. The strategy comes in response to increased competition from China and the U.S. with EU officials claiming that Europe can win on green technology. There will be €100 billion in short-term relief to increase green manufacturing in the EU. The goal is to help traditional industries cut carbon emissions and boost...

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On February 21, 2025, President Trump issued the America First Investment Policy Memorandum (“Memorandum”). The Memorandum aims to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) from “allies and partners” while restricting inbound investment from and outbound investment to “foreign adversaries,” such as China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela. To achieve its FDI aims, the Memorandum requests a review of various Committee on Foreign Investment into the United States (CFIUS) procedures, limits the...

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