The Kingdom of Marokko failed with a claim against a publisher who had alleged that Marokko was using «Pegasus» surveillance software. The German Supreme Court held that a souverain state does not have title to sue in a defamation claim. 1. Overview of the Decision In its judgment of 24 February 2026, the German Federal […]
Актуальные Темы
US Congress passes revised HEAR Act removing to Nazi-looted art claims
For decades, restitution claims for Nazi-looted art have often failed not on substance, but on procedural defenses—laches, statutes of limitations, or even acquisitive prescription.The HEAR Act 2025 changes this fundamentally: these defenses are largely set aside, and claims are to be decided on their merits. The U.S. Congress has passed the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery […]
Judicial Review of EU Sanctions Before the General Court: Alfa-Bank v Council (Case T-898/25)
I. Introduction Judicial review of European Union sanctions has become a recurring feature of EU litigation since the expansion of restrictive measures following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Numerous individuals, companies, and financial institutions have sought annulment of EU listings before the General Court of the European Union, challenging both the factual basis and […]
When enforcement threatens “Russian industry”: Russian court denies enforcement of USD 6 million Luxembourg awards
The Arbitrazh Court of the Ural District refused recognition and enforcement of Luxembourg arbitration awards, reasoning, inter alia, that enforcement could “cause damage to Russian industry.” Background of the dispute The dispute arose between Giuseppe Bruzzone and Luigi Stoppani (both Italian citizens) and Koaland Investment Ltd (BVI), on the one side (collectively, the claimants), and […]
Enforcement Measures on Frozen Libyan Assets Require Prior Administrative
Cour de cassation (2e civ.), 5 February 2026, No. 23-15.936
Cour de cassation (2e civ.), 5 February 2026, No. 23-15.936 1. Introduction and procedural background In its judgment of 5 February 2026 (No. 23-15.936), the Second Civil Chamber of the Cour de cassation dismissed an appeal against a decision of the Paris Court of Appeal (2 February 2023), confirming that no enforcement measure may be […]
No Valid Service under Private Address if the Adressee is Subject to a Travel Ban — Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 19 February 2026, [2026] EWCA Civ 139
Overview In Fridman v Agrofirma Oniks LLC & Anor , the Court of Appeal (Lewison LJ, Phillips LJ and Sir Launcelot Henderson) addressed a fundamental question of English private international law: can a claimant validly serve proceedings at a defendant’s English residence where the defendant is subject to an indefinite UK travel ban and is […]
Russian Court Disregards ICC Arbitration Clause under Art. 248.1 APC RF and Orders U.S. Company to Refund Advance Payment to Russian Helicopters Subsidiary
On 27 January 2026, the Arbitrazh Court of the Republic of Buryatia ordered U.S.-based VTS Aviation LLC to refund USD 81,200 paid as an advance under a 2020 supply contract to JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a subsidiary of the sanctioned Russian Helicopters holding — despite the contract containing an ICC arbitration clause providing for dispute […]