EU amended climate law – binding 2040 emissions target – European Union
On 5 March 2026, the EU Council adopted an amended Climate Law setting a binding 2040 emissions target. This is not a consultation or a proposal — it is adopted law. The new target creates binding downstream obligations across energy, transport, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Businesses with EU operations or supply chains touching the EU market will need to revisit their decarbonisation strategies, climate risk disclosures, and long-term capital planning. The 2040 target signals a step-change in the pace of regulatory expectation, and companies that treat this as a distant concern are already behind.
EU parliament adopts position on digital omnibus – European Union
On 26 March 2026, the EU Parliament adopted a position on the Digital Omnibus to streamline digital obligations. The Digital Omnibus is a wide-ranging package of EU digital measures that cuts across data protection, AI governance, cybersecurity, and digital market regulation. The Parliament's adopted position marks a significant procedural milestone — it sets the direction of travel for what will become binding law. Businesses reliant on digital infrastructure, data processing, or AI-driven services need to understand now what changes are coming and begin mapping their compliance obligations accordingly.
EU parliament approves first EU-wide criminal law framework – European Union
On 26 March 2026, the EU Parliament approved the first EU-wide criminal law framework. This is a landmark development. For the first time, the EU has adopted a pan-European criminal law instrument, creating a unified basis for prosecution across member states. While the specific scope will determine which sectors face the greatest exposure, this development signals that the EU is moving towards a regime in which non-compliance with certain regulatory obligations is not merely a civil or administrative matter — it carries criminal consequences. Senior executives and board members should take note.
UK Finance Act 2026 – United Kingdom
On 18 March 2026, the UK Parliament enacted the Finance Act 2026, updating corporate tax obligations. The UK Official Gazette published the Finance Act 2026, giving legislative effect to a range of tax changes. This affects corporate tax planning, payroll structures, and financial reporting obligations for businesses operating in the UK. Coming alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) increase in Employment Tribunal award limits, the combined cost impact on employers is meaningful and needs to be reflected in financial planning for the year ahead.
UK product safety and metrology – new consultation – United Kingdom
On 31 March 2026, the UK Office for Product Safety launched a consultation on product safety matters. This marks an active step in the UK's post-Brexit reform of its product safety framework, separate from and developing beyond the EU's own standards. For manufacturers, importers, and distributors selling into the UK market, this consultation is a critical opportunity to engage — and an early warning that new binding obligations are on the horizon. Businesses that fail to track this process risk being caught out when the new framework comes into force.
This content has been prepared based on regulatory and legislative updates identified across UK and EU jurisdictions as of March 2026. It is intended for awareness purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Take a look at last month’s article: Five regulations that will change the way you do business in 2026 | DWF Group
