A&G Newsletter — Q3 2026

I. ECONOMIC SECURITY: OUTBOUND INVESTMENT SCREENING

The European Commission continues to develop its Economic Security Strategy, including proposals to monitor and potentially screen outbound investments involving critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Why it matters:
Companies with global investment portfolios should assess how future screening mechanisms could affect investment decisions, joint ventures, technology transfers, and international partnerships.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

II. MEDICAL DEVICES: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CRITICAL MEDICINES ACT

Following increasing concerns regarding Europe’s dependence on external suppliers for essential medical products, the Commission is advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of healthcare supply chains and boosting domestic manufacturing capacity.

Why it matters:
Manufacturers, importers, healthcare providers, and investors should monitor procurement reforms, funding opportunities, and strategic stockpiling measures that could reshape the European medical devices and pharmaceutical sectors.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

III. CUSTOMS REFORM: NEW EU CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Negotiations continue on the comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union, including the establishment of a new EU Customs Authority and enhanced controls for e-commerce imports.

Why it matters:
Importers, online marketplaces, manufacturers, and logistics operators should prepare for significant changes in customs compliance, data reporting, and supply-chain management.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

IV. QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES: EUROPE’S NEXT STRATEGIC SECTOR

The European Union is expanding support for quantum technologies through Horizon Europe, EuroHPC, and emerging industrial initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty

Why it matters:
Technology companies, investors, research institutions, and governments should monitor funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and future regulatory initiatives shaping the quantum ecosystem.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

V. EU-INDIA RELATIONS: TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ACCELERATE

The European Union and India continue to advance negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and broader strategic partnership.

Why it matters:
Companies active in manufacturing, technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, and trade should monitor developments that may affect market access, tariffs, investment protection, and regulatory cooperation.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

VI. SANCTIONS POLICY: NEW COMPLIANCE EXPECTATIONS

The EU continues to expand and refine sanctions regimes in response to geopolitical developments, while strengthening enforcement and anti-circumvention measures.

Why it matters:
Financial institutions, exporters, logistics providers, commodity traders, and multinational corporations should regularly review compliance frameworks and supply-chain exposure to sanctions-related risks.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

VII. SPACE POLICY: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU SPACE ACT

The Commission is progressing work on the EU Space Act and related initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s space economy, resilience, and strategic autonomy.

Why it matters:
Space operators, launch providers, satellite companies, investors, and defence stakeholders should monitor upcoming requirements relating to security, sustainability, procurement, and market access.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

VIII. TRADE DEFENCE: CHINA-RELATED INVESTIGATIONS EXPAND

The Commission continues to make active use of anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, safeguard measures, and the International Procurement Instrument in sectors ranging from clean technology to medical devices.

Why it matters:
Companies involved in global supply chains should monitor investigations affecting imports, public procurement opportunities, and market access conditions within the European Union.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.

Also on the regulatory radar this quarter

  • Foreign Subsidies Regulation enforcement continues to expand across M&A and public
    procurement.
  • Economic Security initiatives remain a top political priority in Brussels.
  • Customs reform and e-commerce compliance measures continue to advance.
  • Strategic partnerships with India, Gulf countries, and other key partners remain high on the
    EU agenda.

Key dates & actions

  • Assess exposure to future outbound investment screening measures.
  • Monitor developments in EU-India trade negotiations.
  • Review customs and e-commerce compliance strategies.
  • Evaluate sanctions compliance frameworks and supply-chain risks.
  • Follow developments relating to the EU Space Act and quantum technology initiatives.

If any of these files affect your operations, supply chains, workforce, investments, or transactions, Alber & Geiger can design tailored engagement strategies with the European Commission, Parliament, Council, and Member State governments—leveraging structured advocacy, coalition-building, and technical expertise to help shape outcomes.

Alber & Geiger can help organizations voice their interests and concerns to EU policymakers.