Standards

• [New] Other ecosystems will be excluded, even though the EU document concedes that stricter rules to protect the Amazon rainforest have already been shown to accelerate conversion of Cerrado savannah and Pantanal wetlands for agricultural production. The Guardian
• [New] New rules could see the need for a test before returning to the UK dropped, and the day 2 PCR test requirement replaced with a cheaper and more simple antigen or lateral flow test requirement which could help make travel significantly simpler for Brits. Mirror
• [New] IS-Libya is most active in southwestern and south-central Libya, but an escalation in militia clashes would reduce the day-to-day security operations in western Libya and could allow IS-Libya to conduct attacks in more populated areas such as Tripoli. Critical Threats
• [New] Norway's opposition Labor Party will begin talks on forming a new ruling coalition after winning an election dominated by disputes over the Nordic economy's dependence on fossil fuel. Financial Post
• [New] The apparent increased insecurity of property rights and the weakening of the rule of law caused by the interventions of the Chinese government during 2020 and 2021 will likely have a negative impact on Hong Kong's score, especially in Area 2, Legal System and Property Rights, going forward. The Fraser Institute
• [New] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was portrayed as the nucleus of the Islamic state - that is, the caliphate - that will rule by God's pure law. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] In cutting-edge new research conducted at the Australian National University, researchers are looking at a more sustainable solution for steel production and a low carbon opportunity for Australia-China trade. Eventbrite
• [New] World Trade Organization rules make it harder to accomplish now; the European Union resents the implication that its exports constitute a security threat; and it does not really solve the problem, which has more to do with China than the European Union. CSIS
• [New] The greatest threat to regional security now arises from the continuing contacts and presence of international terrorist groups, like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The Hindu BusinessLine
• [New] If the Treasury goes forward with its rule as originally written, sparsely populated areas currently lacking broadband could leapfrog certain urban areas in their internet speeds. AP News
• [New] While polls predict the centre-left opposition will oust the Conservative-led coalition that has ruled Norway for eight years, the fate of the industry that has made Norway one of Europe's most prosperous nations is far from sealed. The Guardian
• [New] The UK will need to consider how any changes to its data protection framework will impact its standing as a jurisdiction seen to hold a high standard of data protection. techuk
• [New] Although the European Union, the UK and some other countries have pledged humanitarian and emergency response aid after the Taliban take-over, it is unclear whether the world will continue supporting higher education under Taliban rule. University World News
• [New] In the UK, last minute announcements and changes to 'traffic-light' status of travel rules have dashed hopes of summer family holidays for many and wrecked airline planners. Royal Aeronautical Society
• [New] The use of military force remains a central tool for Russia, and using force or threats of using military force cannot be ruled out. bitstream
• [New] Some 80 million workers - roughly half the U.S. workforce - will be affected by an emergency temporary standard that will be enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, with substantial fines of nearly $14,000 per violation. CFO
• [New] The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors and highlighted the grave need for national prevention plans. Health Policy Watch
• [New] President Joe Biden announced new rules for employers on Thursday, which will require companies with 100 or more employees to require vaccination or weekly testing to combat COVID-19. PR Daily
• [New] Marks & Spencer has reportedly warned of a range of problems linked to food imports when Brexit rules change next month: M&S says that EU markets represent over 25% of all UK food imports. Mishcon de Reya LLP

Last updated: 16 September 2021