Global Scans · Legal · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Substantive regulatory change is likely to happen in the next decade as a result of the recent U.S. Presidential election, Brexit and efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change, increase trade and reduce bureaucracy while legislating for new forms of technological advancement such as robots, driverless cars and drones.

• [New] At least 26 discrete rulemakings to revise existing regulations - either as proposed rules for public comment or as direct final rules - are expected by mid-2026. JD Supra
• [New] Despite the delay until 2027, the EU Batteries Regulation still includes one of the first regulatory obligations to implement risk-based due diligence in line with OECD frameworks. Advanced Auto Bat
• [New] A more balanced approach within US crypto regulation could foster responsible innovation. MEXC
• [New] The U.S. is likely to lead in adoption due to a high-risk tolerance, while Europe will likely be slower due to regulation. ROGER MONTGOMERY
• [New] More recent legal wins by plans against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2024 over Star ratings may have given plans greater optimism about opportunities to improve or maintain positive Star ratings in 2026. Healthcare Advisory Services and Analytics | Chartis
• [New] Evolving data privacy regulations and open insurance data frameworks will promote transparent and consumer-centric usage based insurance program development across USA. Mobility Foresights
• [New] The proposed German streaming regulation 2026 is expected to include a de minimis revenue threshold below which smaller services are exempt. Global Law Experts
• [New] Tesla could expand crypto exposure, hold steady, or reduce it depending on cash needs, accounting impact, regulation, and market conditions. Bitcoin Foundation
• [New] The EU Battery Regulation sets mandatory recycled content levels for EV batteries, requiring by 2031 at least 16% Co, 6% Li and 6% Ni in active materials from recycled sources, increasing by 2036 to 26% Co, 12% Li and 15% Ni. Advanced Auto Bat
• [New] The UK is expected to introduce legislation enabling dynamic alignment with EU rules where it serves economic and strategic objectives, bringing previously closed areas such as mobility back into scope. Fragomen - Immigration attorneys, solicitors, and consu
• [New] 2026 will mark a turning point in how artificial intelligence reshapes legal services, from broader associate adoption and use of AI in back-office operations to courts confronting AI-generated evidence and a surge of AI-related litigation. Finnegan | Leading IP+ Law Firm
• [New] The White House wants a single national standard for artificial intelligence, arguing that a patchwork of excessive regulation could handicap American innovation in a global competition with China. WHEC.com
• [New] Several federal appeals courts and the state supreme courts of Colorado and Hawaii ruled that global-warming suits could continue under state law. City Journal
• [New] Policy momentum around AI risk governance has accelerated in 2026, with California serving as a focal point for frontier AI regulation and governance. Stanford Tech Review

Last updated: 05 May 2026