Assistant lawyer Natālija Ķīse compiled the material.

Dispute resolution

Entry into force: 1 September 2024

Significant changes to the Statute and Rules of Procedure of the European Union’s General Court and Court of Justice have taken effect as of September 1, 2024. One of the main adjustments is that, as of October 1, 2024, the General Court will have certain authority over preliminary findings previously held by the Court of Justice.

ESG

EU’s first Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement enters into force with Angola

Entry into force: 1 September 2024

The Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) between the EU and Angola is now in force. This is the first investment facilitation agreement ever made by the EU. It seeks to encourage foreign investments that are necessary to meet the objectives of sustainable development. The SIFA will encourage sustainable investment by EU companies in Angola and improve the country’s business environment for investors by making it more transparent, efficient, and predictable.

See also press release.

Human rights

ECtHR finds no violation of Article 8 ECHR in case concerning measures against employment of health care workers refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Delivered: 29 August 2024

ECtHR delivered its Chamber judgment in Pasquinelli and Others v. San Marino where it held, unanimously, that there had been no violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights. The applicants in this case were healthcare professionals who refused to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. San Marino’s national law required the authorities to maintain limited interaction with users in the event that staff members declined vaccinations.