The U.K. amended its definitions for "extraordinary situations and extraordinary expenses" under the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's general sanctions guidance related to the agency's approach to licensing grounds.

The U.K. High Court of Justice on May 10 made permanent a court order blocking sanctioned Russian entity VEB from taking a dispute with Barclays Bank to an arbitration court in Russia. The court rejected VEB's claim that British sanctions "frustrated" an arbitration agreement between the parties.

The European Council on May 13 approved the suspension of import duties and quotas on exports from Ukraine and Moldova for another year, extending the measures for Ukraine until June 5, 2025, and for Moldova until July 25, 2025.

Multiple Switzerland-based universities defended their research security practices this week after United Against Nuclear Iran said the Iranian military is exploiting partnerships between Iranian universities and the Swiss learning institutions to obtain sensitive research and technology (see 2405100023).

Laos formally accepted the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies May 13, moving the total number of countries that have accepted the deal to 74. The WTO requires 36 more to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for full acceptance of the agreement to be able to enter into effect.

Iran’s military is accessing advanced research and technology through the collaboration between Iranian and Swedish universities, according to a report this month from United Against Nuclear Iran, a nonprofit that says it works to “combat the threats” posed by the Iranian government. UANI said it has found eight Swedish universities that have “formed partnerships” with Iranian universities with ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, allowing the U.S.-sanctioned IRGC to “procure research and technology for the Iranian regime’s military programs.”

China voiced its opposition to the Bureau of Industry and Security's recent move to add 37 Chinese technology companies, manufacturing firms, research institutions and others to the Entity List (see 2405090023), saying Beijing will "safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," according to an unofficial translation of a news release that highlights a response to a reporter's question at a Beijing press conference. A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson accused the U.S. of "overextending" its concept of national security and said it has "abused" its export control measures.

Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland on May 9 signed an agreement that they said will align export control enforcement practices and increase information sharing across their customs agencies, particularly for illegal shipments to Russia, the countries announced.

Estonian Bank LHV Pank said it plans to contest in court a $322,000 fine by the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit for violating Estonia's International Sanctions Act."LHV Pank does not agree with the FIU’s resolution and plans to contest it in court," the bank said. "LHV Pank takes regulatory compliance very seriously and has put in place all necessary solutions to meet all due diligence obligations related to financial sanctions."

The U.K. on May 8 updated its financial sanctions FAQs to reflect that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office operates an "E-Alert service," in addition to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's E-Alert service. The FCDO's service provides "updates on designations, important changes, policy changes, and press releases." A subscription to the alerts may be requested here.