Category: Government

On November 8, 2023, the European Commission adopted the 2023 Enlargement Package. The European Commission took the historic step of formally recommending to member states that they should open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova...

In February 2024 negotiations at the UN intend to finalize a major treaty to create global rules for law enforcement cooperation on cybercrime. If the negotiations continue their present trajectory, the outcome will increase legal and reputation risks—up to and including arrest of staff and executives—for firms that operate globally...

On Wednesday, August 23, eight of the nine top Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first primary debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential election hosted by FOX News. This debate was an introductory platform for the candidates to present to primary voters a broad overview of their positions on various issues rather than delving deeply into policy intricacies. APCO’s Nina Verghese and Dan Meyers, both former Republican operatives, attended the debate and had the chance to reflect on their observations.  ..

As drug manufacturers grapple with the shift away from established methods of government drug payments, several questions remain: how well will CMS be able to execute this new law?  What impact will it have on the industry? Will it actually lower prices for seniors?..

Conflicting signals on EU-China relations at a time of increased exchange underline the importance of remaining ahead of geopolitical risk, while providing important opportunities for European multinational corporations to consolidate their market position...

Get APCO's recap of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 (URC) in London...

With this guide, we hope to help you navigate the current political environment in Spain, including the upcoming snap elections on July 23, as well as what a new government could mean for Brussels...

Türkiye’s elections have resulted in Recep Tayyip Erdoğan securing another five years in power, winning 52.16% of the vote in the second round over his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who received 47.84% of the vote...

On 14 May, Türkiye held presidential and parliamentary elections. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shattered expectations by winning 49.52% of the vote over the opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s 44.88%. As no candidate won over 50% of the votes, a second round will take place on 28 May. The election was a strong showing for democracy with around 87% voter turnout...

While everyone should maintain a healthy dose of skepticism, we also need healthy conversation between industry leaders and the mainstream policy and business community around true innovation in cryptoland...

On Sunday 14 May, Turkey will hold presidential and parliamentary elections, heralded by some as the most important election of 2023. As Türkiye marks its centenary as a modern republic, the outcome of these elections will determine the shape of the nation’s political system, economy, foreign policy, and its democracy for years to come...

The United States and the European Union (EU) have enjoyed a long-term strategic political, economic and trade partnership for many decades. However, the last few years have been challenging for several reasons and it’s evident on both sides of the Atlantic that these two need to strengthen their dialogue and cooperation if they want to keep their strategic relationship alive and well functioning...

Two decades after the first Medicinal Products Regulation and Directive was adopted, the EU is re-opening a pandora’s box of legislation in response to long-standing concerns that the current European pharmaceutical framework does not go far enough to address unmet medical needs, inequities in access to approved therapies and the burden of rising costs on national health care budgets...

Crackdowns on business have left Chinese entrepreneurs weary and wary. The perception of foreign business in China serving as a bridge between the world is shifting dramatically. Here's what multinationals need to know...

The world should be paying more attention to Nigeria. A messy process, on the other hand, will likely feed regional instability; and West Africa is central enough to global trade and other currents that a failure of the process in Nigeria could have much wider ramifications...

While in today’s multi-polar world, where the boundaries between the Global North and South are getting blurred due to the realignment of interests, the recent “Voice of the Global South” summit has brought back the focus on the global South- bringing together 120-odd developing countries...

For India to leverage the global semiconductor supply chain it should work toward creating a competitive policy environment that creates a level playing field between foreign and domestic players. ..

Digest from the World Economic Forum 2023 Annual Meeting and a look at what's ahead. ..

Companies and organizations will need to recalibrate their strategies for engaging both the Biden Administration and Congress over the next two years, especially knowing that both Democrats and Republicans will approach everything they do with a watchful eye on the 2024 presidential election cycle...

In the upcoming years, the Chinese government and industries will pay increasing attention to non-crypto blockchain as a crucial technology that will support China’s pursuit of digitalization. This gives MNCs ample opportunities to pro-actively offer their experience and look for investment opportunities to establish a strong foothold in this emerging sector in China...

The institutional questions the pandemic has raised about the EU’s role in health will not disappear. With the forthcoming revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation, larger EU countries set the direction of the European pharmaceutical market for decades to come. ..

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed the country’s 37th Government in late December 2022...

We hope to help interested people navigate what the new Swedish government means for the EU, know the key stakeholders to follow, as well as understand the priorities which are driving the Presidency. ..

As average life expectancy creeps up and the number of newborns continues to decline, Japan’s inverted population pyramid is becoming even sharper toward the bottom...

Voters of the North African state of Tunisia go to the polls in December 2022, ten years after the Arab Spring...

Our regional experts outline upcoming opportunities and challenges in the MENA and Asia regions in business, politics and technology. ..

On November 1, Israel held a national election for the 25th Knesset, with voters granting a distinct electoral victory to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu...

For the fifth time in four years, 6.8 million Israelis will be eligible to vote in a general election...

Elections in the United States is days away and voters across the country are being targeted by television, mail, social media and in person. ..

From October 16-23, the Communist Party of China (CPC) will complete its once-in-a-decade leadership change...

The EU has placed itself at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with ambitious climate laws and a 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality...

The historically well-established local political parties are maintaining their position, despite their failures other elections...

Brazil will hold high-stakes presidential and congressional elections that will significantly impact policy directions for the country...

On 5th September, Britain will find out who the next leader of the Conservative Party is, and which candidate will have to tackle the multitude of issues facing the country...

Sweden goes to the polls on 11 September, to elect the members of the Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament, who will elect the new prime minister...

The bill aims to reduce foreign dependence on semiconductor production in geopolitically sensitive locations...

While much of the world is easing COVID-19 restrictions despite persistent waves of infections, China remains unwaveringly committed to the “zero-COVID” strategy...

China announced several important developments in its climate agenda in 2021...

APCO Insight analysed UK-based Twitter followers of four Tory MPs tipped to succeed Johnson according to two key criteria...

The forum was established to help resolve long-standing bilateral issues and align American and European policies...

Yesterday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a motion of no confidence by his fellow Conservative MPs by a margin of 211-148...

President Biden unveiled his China strategy. The strategy is organized around three pillars: invest, align, and compete...

The IPEF is the main economic pillar in the Administration’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy...

By evaluating government communications during threats to public health, we can identify fundamental rules for communicating risk...

Two pillars of the Biden administration’s approach toward the region—its long-awaited China strategy and highly anticipated Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)—are set to be formally launched..

The second round of the 2022 presidential election on April 24 resulted in the victory of the outgoing president Emmanuel Macron...

Two significant elections take place in May 2022 on islands at opposite ends of the Eurasian landmass...

Frameworks established by pieces of legislation make clear that Chinese regulators aim to compel multinational corporations to pursue data localization...

It is a busy time for antitrust and competition policy, with major new laws hitting the statute books and enforcers vying to outdo each other in severity...

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE is set to be a template for future trade agreements that both the nations are planning to sign with other countries. This report captures what is in store for multinationals in the India-UAE CEPA...

At this year’s Innovate Finance Global Summit, exhibitors, speakers and punters alike witnessed a modern, high-growth and disruptive sector assume centre stage within the dizzying corridors of the historic City of London’s Guildhall...

Decoding and navigating the EU system provides the time, opportunities and tools for stakeholders to raise, address and shape the decision-making processes...

Emmanuel Macron looks likely to be the first French president to be re-elected since 2002...

China is confronted with a series of complex challenges in 2022, from sporadic local COVID-19 outbreaks to weak consumption growth and external tensions...

The results of state elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur at this juncture have national ramifications, especially with regard to the policy direction of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the centre...

Koreans go to the polls again on 9 March. There is only one round of voting, and the candidate with the most votes across the country will win...

In this guide for corporate executives, APCO experts identify seven issues that we’re watching and know will be important for MNCs in 2022...

In 2022, we will see the enduring geopolitical, societal and geo-commercial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reveal themselves...

There are concerns over the stability of China’s real estate sector and the impact of the crisis on the wider Chinese economy and effect in other sectors...

Global companies with operations in China face new challenges, but most still view the Chinese market as critical to their business strategies globally.  ..

Starting on January 1, 2022, France will hold the Presidency of the European Union for six months. France's voice is expected to resonate during this crucial time for Europe, facing many choices and the increased competition between the world's major powers...

The Quirinal Treaty aims to settle once and for all the disputes that have undermined the stability of diplomatic relations between Italy and France in recent years (e.g. on industrial issues such as Fincantieri and on migration), paving the way for greater cooperation in key sectors such as digital and ecological transition, defense, culture ad education...

The meeting could act as a foundation for a more stable relationship and productive dialogue on issues of mutual interest...

What does China’s increasing emphasis on decarbonization mean for MNCs looking to enter or expand in China?..

Biden’s overall approach to Beijing will be iterative, pragmatic and marked by lower-profile changes on the margins—rather than a grand change in strategy...

Japan is caught in a situation where it needs to balance its national interests in the context of the ever-increasing geo-political and economic rivalry...

By the end of 2022, Angela Merkel, once called the leader of the free world, will have ended her chancellorship in Germany. Angela Merkel leaves a gap, and the Bundestag elections on 26 September will be decisive in determining who will succeed her in office...

Many firms are doubling down on China and Asia as the focus for the company’s growth for at least the next 3-5 year cycle...

Climate policy, trade and human rights will be defining features and they have become three inflammable ingredients in shaping the bilateral relationship...

The new government that emerged following the internal violence was thus forged by pragmatic compromises from the various sides of the political spectrum...

Our IAC assessed Biden’s first foreign trip and the recent meetings of the G7 and NATO and its impact on the international business community...

After six months of intense work, the Portuguese EU Council Presidency is ending...

The following are some thoughts I shared on technology’s central role in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and implications for businesses...

The Chinese government introduced a “new urbanization” strategy, which offers ample opportunities for multi-national companies to support and benefit from...

The UK will compete independently on the global stage to become a science superpower and they are putting their hopes in research and innovation...

Today’s Queen’s Speech made the prospects of a general election in 2023, and possibly a second Scottish independence referendum, look a lot more likely...

Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan places great emphasis on the green transition and on the digital transformation..

When he addresses a joint session of Congress tonight, President Biden will likely use low-key rhetoric to advocate an ambitious agenda, from rebuilding the nation’s physical and social infrastructure to strengthening American families, dismantling systemic racism and addressing climate change...

APCO co-sponsored a webinar with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce assessing initial takeaways of the previous day’s election in Israel, with attention to business and political implications. ..

The Biden-Harris administration has hit the ground running in determining that climate change poses one of the largest risks to U.S. economic and financial security...

Get APCO's analysis of the Two Sessions, including analysis of the 14th Five Year Plan and details on the impact on multinationals. ..

Although there is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change, as a populous, tropical emerging economy, India faces a bigger challenge than others in coping with the consequences. ..

Get caught up on what you need to know about the factors and figures involved in Israel's March 2021 election via this report from APCO's team in Tel Aviv. ..

On December 30, 2020, after seven years of dialogue, the European Union (EU) and China announced, the conclusion in principle of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). In a deal which is highly political in nature, which sectors of EU business stand to benefit the most?..

As the Biden administration prepares to take the reins in Washington, one of the sharpest policy pivots is expected to be in environmental and climate policy. Water crises, including droughts and floods intensified by climate change, are among the greatest tangible risks to business and geopolitical stability...

Portugal will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2021. Lisbon is following Germany and preceding Slovenia as part of the so-called ‘GPS-presidency’ trio, marking the fourth Portuguese EU Council Presidency since the country joined the European Economic Community in 1986. The following overview has been developed in cooperation between the APCO team in Brussels and our partner agency in Portugal, ATREVIA. This Presidency Guide outlines the challenges that lie ahead and how companies can address them...

I strongly condemn the actions of these cowards and believe that law enforcement should take the strongest actions against those who callously desecrated U.S. democracy and all the values it is meant to represent...

With coming to an imminent resolution, and the first vaccinations already starting to roll out, what will the next 12 months hold for UK businesses and government?..

Read and download APCO's full report on RCEP, which includes country-specific analysis from APCO Worldwide’s consultants on the responses from around the region...

Companies should expect the U.S.-China relationship to continue to be characterized by deep friction, regardless of which party is dominant in Washington come January...

In today’s report, we are inching closer to a potential result in the presidential race. We also cover the latest on the Senate and House races, the makeup of state legislatures, and an update on the corporate reaction to the election...

Our afternoon report also includes the latest on congressional races, state and local results, a number of high-profile ballot initiatives that will have an impact on several industries, and the corporate reaction to the election...

APCO Worldwide’s adVOcaTE campaign consists of efforts designed to help get out the vote and elevate APCO employees’ voices as they advocate for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. Six members of the APCO family, who are parents, share their thoughts on why they’re voting this year. ..

Many companies are taking the extra steps to encourage their employees to vote. But, the next—and more significant—step to watch for is whether these companies will publicly advocate for proactive measures to expand access to voting at the state and local levels...

It has been a buzzword for several years, but the concept of Europe’s ‘strategic autonomy’ has really gathered more attention over the last months in light of the COVID-19 crisis...

APCO Worldwide’s adVOcaTE campaign consists of efforts designed to help get out the vote and elevate APCO employees’ voices as they advocate for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. Four members of the APCO family share their thoughts on why they’re voting this year. ..

Since 2000, the size of immigrant electorate in the United States nearly doubled, and in 2020, naturalized citizens make up a record 10% of eligible voters in America. It is time for immigrant electorates to, not only get the job done, but to get their votes in as well...

Both the United States and China have been trying to engage Europe as a counterweight amid their rivalry. Despite China’s wish to sustain a cordial relationship, the EU’s harder stance towards China on a range of issues leaves more questions than answers...

The passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is sad news in a terrible year. Her legacy is a testament to her view that “real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”..

ESG investing has become impossible for regulators to ignore. With the market moving fast, regulators are beginning to co-develop common practices and frameworks that have, until now, largely been left up to companies, shareholders and financial market participants...

Despite the turbulence contributed by both the U.S. and China over the last few years to the bilateral relationship, China still presents significant commercial opportunities for multinational companies. However, companies must be able to navigate this heightening tension by establishing trust in a business environment increasingly being drawn into the political fray...

Like America’s major political parties, companies all over the world are grappling with how to re-engineer a live event, especially one that has strategic importance to their business. There are some useful lessons emerging from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions about what’s working, and what’s not, in virtual event programming...

2020 is a turbulent year and global leadership is in short supply. But as the United States is focused inwards, the UK is hampered by Brexit, France is in perennial economic crisis, and China and Russia are engaged in promoting their own political priorities. Can Germany fill the void?..

The normalization promotes new opportunities for investments in Israel and the UAE, removing political barriers that may have hindered past region-wide cooperation...

Israeli and Emirati officials are to meet in the coming weeks and sign agreements constituting this “Abraham Accord,” regarding issues such as the establishment of direct flights, investments and trade, technology and health cooperation, and the opening of embassies, among other topics...

At the August 6th Brazda Breakfast briefing, an event sponsored by APCO and hosted by our partner, The Alliance for Health Policy, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci walked over 60 reporters through what we know now about COVID-19, how it spreads, where it is spreading, the status of vaccine development, and most importantly, what we all can and should do to slow the spread...

Watch the discussion of the policy and political ramifications of recent executive orders, how drug pricing actions will resonate considering the pandemic and which of these policies might move forward in 2021...

Every seven years the EU is convulsed by negotiations over its budget—the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF). The narrative is familiar and repetitive: predictions of stalemate and catastrophic breakdown are at some stage transformed into grumpy acceptance of a new deal with sweeteners for everyone. The question is, when will that transformation happen?..

Today, many in Germany consider the current Wirecard AG scandal as “their Enron moment.” By grasping this crisis, Minister Scholz stepped up to start the debate around the insolvent Fintech asking the obvious questions of how and where the oversight system has failed...

A military standoff between India and China in northern Ladakh, along a long-disputed border, has stirred up serious tensions which could have enormous geopolitical consequences for a world battling a pandemic for which many blame Beijing. The relationship between the world’s two most-populous nations can be seen through five different prisms, each of which is playing a role in deciding where ties are today and where they are likely to head in the future...

China's Two Sessions opened on May 21 and served as an opportunity to demonstrate control over the pandemic and outline a blueprint for the country’s future development...

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new Israeli government will operate under “emergency” status for the first six months, advancing legislation solely related to the virus and its impact...

On May 17, 2020, Israel’s 35th government was sworn in, actualizing a power-sharing agreement between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz...

The German constitutional court recently caused huge waves with its 5 May ruling on the legality, under German law, of the European Central Bank's bond purchasing programme—an essential element of the EU’s plan to reduce the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...

While the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area plan has reached a number of milestones, it has faced several setbacks. Foreign companies that tailor their strategy to the plan’s ambitions and priorities are best placed to benefit from its ambitious agenda...

The food industry, from farms to restaurants to retail to the tables of consumers, has been upended by COVID-19. This has resulted in a forced shift in the supply chain and could change how the world produces and consumes food well into the future...

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made agreement on the future of the UK-EU relationship by December 2020 quite unrealistic...

COVID-19 has forced the 2020 campaigns—much less our connections with friends and family—into virtual mode for the foreseeable future...

It has been less than a week since Sir Keir Starmer was elected leader of the UK Labour Party yet it already feels like a lifetime. With the party still reeling from its historic loss in the December General Election and Coronavirus dominating the news cycle, the opposition’s challenges are significant but not insurmountable...

It is in the times of adversity that radical transformations are often easier to achieve. The global pandemic offers a key moment to rethink the way we consume and operate and make a positive change to become truly sustainable and circular...

The greatest opportunity in this time of crisis are for companies to demonstrate their know-how and expertise through partnering in “new infrastructure” projects. Besides the potential to partner on large-scale endeavors, companies that are actively engaging with China will shape tomorrow’s infrastructure standards and lay the foundations for long-term success...

For potentially eligible companies, it is critical to understand all of the options available and to move as efficiently as possible to apply for and receive the funds which they are entitled to, and to position themselves for relief under future stimulus packages...

Following two failed attempts to form a government, Israelis went to the polls again on March 2, 2020, for an unprecedented third time in less than a year. APCO's Tel Aviv team provides insights and analysis on the results...

With the UK Prime Minister adamant that he wants to conclude the next phase of negotiations on the future trading relationship by 31 December, this leaves an unprecedentedly short period to avoid a cliff-edge “hard” Brexit. As the phase 2 negotiations kick off, APCO’s team in London, Paris and Brussels examine the negotiating positions of the UK and EU, and the prospects for a deal...

APCO’s Greater China team takes a closer look at the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement and assesses where the deal is now, compared to where the two countries started...

Given the disruptive changes that we are witnessing in many parts of the world, the notion of leadership takes on a different meaning. Communication, emotional intelligence and soft skills are more important than ever before...

In the United States, the issue of how to address prescription drug pricing will certainly be a hot button topic ahead of the 2020 election. The time is now for pharma companies to act and offer real and impactful solutions that help patients, while calling out elements of the healthcare system that create barriers to access in exchange for profit...

While the U.S. presidential election is set to dominate geopolitical discussion, there are four other votes, also scheduled for next year, for business leaders to keep an eye on around the world...

China is set to overtake the United States as the world’s largest aviation market by the mid-2020s. Despite its slowing economic growth, the country’s booming middle class offers significant potential for future market expansion as more people opt for air travel, be it for business or leisure...

In China, significant opportunities exist for foreign enterprises to align with the government’s ambitious healthcare reform goals and influence the future of the country's health sector...

APCO observed some noticeable changes on the ground that present opportunities for foreign companies to leverage the CIIE for public affairs purposes...

In today’s world, where some multinationals are larger than national economies, and where a 16-year-old activist can mobilize more people than politicians, there is clearly a role for institutional leaders to lead the charge and serve as beacons of hope for solving the world’s most pressing problems...

China’s participation in the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, held at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 23, marks another major milestone in the development of China’s environmental protection policies...

Addressing the climate emergency is on the top of the agenda for this year’s 74th meeting of the UNGA. While there will be a ton of popular activism and eye-catching business commitments, meaningful government collaboration may be lacking...

For the second time in 2019, Israel went to the polls on September 17th. APCO team in Tel Aviv takes a closer look at the results, next steps and implications from the elections...

After an unexpected summer crisis, Italy officially has a new government led once again by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. APCO’s team in Italy shares three things to know about the situation, and insights on key pieces of the government’s new agenda...

Recent presidential tweets “ordering” U.S. companies to begin looking for alternatives to manufacturing in China raised many questions and concerns among business leaders. Looking forward, it’s critical for corporate leaders to stay informed and be prepared to act...

This is the first time in Israel's history that national elections are being held twice in one year. While the issues from the April elections remain core concerns for the Israeli public, here are some additional factors to consider in the lead up to the September elections...

During the Conservative Party leadership election, in Boris Johnson’s first speech on the steps of Downing Street and after the most dramatic Cabinet reshuffle in decades, Brexit remains the number one concern of the British political class...

On 23 July, the UK will have a new Prime Minister. APCO’s experts in London and Brussels consider how the top two candidates would approach Brexit as Prime Minister, and how EU leaders are likely to respond...

In the wake of Europe’s seismic political shifts, it is more important than ever to understand Brussels...

Europe is a very different place since the previous Japanese acquisition waves, and Japanese business leaders need to adapt their approach and be aware of the changes Europe is undergoing...

In the midst of fierce competition and seemingly occupied business space, there still are geopolitical, strategic and economic opportunities for European businesses...

The future of the European markets will likely see new shifts of power and a highly-fragmented political and social landscapes that companies need to be ready to navigate...

As the dust settles from Europe’s continent-wide exercise of democracy, with politicians patting themselves on the back for the welcomed increase in voter turnout, what will the next five years bring for business?..

After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unable to form a new coalition government, Israel's Knesset voted to dissolve itself and hold repeat elections...

On May 12, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen signed a directive that greatly expands the terms and conditions for Israelis to conduct personal imports...

India's significant employability gap is a real concern for global organizations operating in India, but it presents an opportunity for companies to partner with the government to ensure that there are an adequate number of bridge programs for the millions of fresh college graduates that pass through the portals of the education system year on year...

Deciding to participate in the Belt and Road has always come with the potential for economic opportunities as well as possible risks and challenges. Companies need to consider all aspects of potential partnerships...

APCO Worldwide’s Tel Aviv team shares insights and analysis on the 2019 Israeli Elections...

APCO's Greater China team provides insights and analysis on China’s 2019 Two Sessions and shares what it means for global business. ..

Israel might not be the largest or most influential country in the world but APCO’s Tel Aviv office can guarantee that the upcoming Israeli Elections will have an effect on international relations in one form or another...

When it comes to understanding what could happen in health care over the next two years, the guiding principle is maybe. Maybe the two sides will come together on a modest package of changes to federal law, or maybe they won’t. ..

Settlers of Catan is an apt metaphor for the geopolitical developments that accompany China’s rise to the world stage...

After an inconclusive election, followed by 131 days of political tug-of-war, Sweden finally has a government. Sectors affected by its reforms have a reason to work proactively to demonstrate what the reforms might mean to them, their customers, the climate and the economy...

European brands are looking at Japan, the world’s third largest economy, as a new market to tap into. The Land of the Rising Sun is a market quite different from the West under many aspects. APCO's team shares insights on media relations in Japan...

As planned, the Danish conservative government last week published its proposal for a new health care reform in Denmark called "Patient First," intended to make the health care system in Denmark more patient-focused, better connected and with advanced quality of care and improved patient rights. ..

The House of Commons 15 January vote against the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement was an extraordinary moment. For an incumbent government to lose on a major constitutional and international issue by more than two-thirds is unprecedented...

In Germany, the exploratory talks on forming a coalition government collapsed last night. The country faces political instability...

Earlier this week, on 28 May, the European Commission published its first proposal to review the European Union’s pharmaceutical innovation incentives...

A digital analysis of Americans’ perception of Emmanuel Macron...

On November 1-2, Dubai held a bi-annual two-day “Africa Global Business Forum” to explore new business opportunities between the Gulf countries and Africa...

After nearly a decade of the French government trying to steadily decrease the price of drugs, it goes without saying that Emmanuel Macron’s pro-business program was eagerly anticipated by the pharmaceutical industry...

The “government of change”, should focus on the socio-economic issues of national security, public order and control of migratory flows, together with social welfare, pensions and tax reforms...

Italy sent shivers down Europe’ spine as anti-establishment Five Stars and hard right Lega formed a government almost two weeks ago. Companies, organisations and governments dealing with Italy will need to navigate a transformed and multi-layered landscape...

Emmanuel Macron was elected as the new French President on 7 May, and sworn into office on Sunday. Now is a good time to examine what the Brussels bubble is expecting of Mr. Macron...

Looking for the impact in the wider EU of President Macron’s first year in office, a hostile observer might well ask, “Where’s the beef?”..

In Brussels, the EU capital that Trump once referred to as a hellhole, the president’s decision to ditch the Paris climate agreement is met with outcry, but also with determination...

Italy has been without a government since elections on 4 March ended in a hung parliament. After more than 80 days, attempts to form a political government have failed...

As the UK prepares for its future outside of the European Union, the importance of soft power increases greatly...

On October 18, 2017, the 19th NCCPC will be held in Beijing, presided over by President Xi Jinping who is expected to continue for a second five-year term as general secretary...

There were three winners and two losers who emerged from Austria’s election yesterday. The only party that achieved the same result as in the last election are the liberal NEOS. On Thursday, 19 October it will finally be announced which four, five or six parties will ultimately end up in Austria’s next parliament. ..

This year’s final round of the presidential election on May 7th will force voters to choose between two non-traditional political parties. Cody LeBlanc takes a look at the conversations surrounding it...

The German elections are approaching on September 24. While we expect Chancellor Angela Merkel to remain in office, we are experiencing a very exciting time nonetheless...

If your plans to shape the agenda on Capitol Hill and get results have focused on Republican lawmakers and stakeholders, odds are they will be horribly out of date in six months...

If President-elect Donald J. Trump calls – or tweets – are you ready? ..

Potential U.S. team for talks with China reflects a lack of coherent strategy, while China is cautious and anticipates a long process...

Earlier this summer, CNBC released their annual report, America's Top States for Business, which serves as a scorecard on state economic climates. For the second year in a row, North Carolina ranks highly, falling fifth out of all 50 U.S. states. But does reality in North Carolina match perceptions of the state?..

The Turkish electorate made a strong showing Sunday, with some suggesting approximately 90% of the electorate cast ballots for the simultaneous Presidential and Parliamentary elections. ..

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released a shortened “negative list” for foreign investment. The updated list significantly reduces the number of sectors in which foreign investment is restricted, cutting down last year’s draft list from 63 to 48 sectors...

In light of the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, concerns over the dual quality of products in some member states and the growth of e-commerce, as part of its consumer law overhaul, today the European Commission presented its ‘New Deal for Consumers’ package. ..

For businesses and advocacy groups the challenge of this government composition will be to deal with its specific simultaneity of change and continuity. ..

To say that globalization is making the world smaller is a trite understatement. The fact is, globalization is blurring the lines between what’s “domestic” and what’s “foreign.”..

The final days of Presidential campaigns are not glamourous. They are hard work. There is little sleep. Everybody is stressed. Campaign staffers have planned for months, if not years for this moment. The “ground game” always matters, but when candidates are polling within three to five points of one another, the campaign with the better field operation usually wins...

A defenestration of Big Tech companies in the UK is about as likely as a new spaceport...

The election in Northern Ireland was as dramatic as elsewhere in the UK, with five of the 18 seats changing hands and Sinn Féin and the DUP taking 17 of them (and the sole other survivor, Independent MP Lady Sylvia Hermon, fighting off the DUP by only a slim margin)...

A bad result for the Tories and a remarkably good one for Labour means the UK seems set for a minority government. As a consequence Brexit negotiations are going to be even more complicated than expected. ..

In Germany’s most populous state, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives defeated the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) in a key state election, further boosting her hopes of retaining power in September's national vote...

First, hats off to House Leadership for sticking with it and not giving up on their pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA)...

The recently completed annual “Two Sessions” of China’s legislature and advisory bodies contained two notable highlights...

The former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has won the primary elections of the Democratic Party with 70% of votes, overcoming the other two competitors, the Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, (around 20%) and the President of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano (around 10%). ..

“Fog in the channel; the continent cut off.” This is an apocryphal British headline, trotted out so often that it has become almost hackneyed in its usage to illustrate the difference (and implied pre-eminence) of the UK from the rest of Europe...

Why is it so hard to pass a repeal and replace plan now that they have control of the White House and both chambers of Congress? Particularly when the President seems unconcerned about what they pass, just that they pass something so he can check it off on his list of accomplishments. The answer is both simple and complicated...

The Trump administration has ushered in an era of decreased predictability and increased risk. Uncertainty may sometimes be the right approach when dealing with enemies, but it can be a serious danger for allies and companies that need to understand their environment to be able to make investments in security and the economy...

Deal-making has gotten tougher and more politicized. This is a global phenomenon with implications for companies everywhere. We are definitely in a new world, where nationalist and populist pressures combine with political and regulatory activism to challenge multinationals...

Brazil is increasingly attracting the scrutiny of investors worldwide as the country enters a key phase for its economy...

Raise your hand if you can recall a president who had a majority of Americans dislike him personally and disapprove of his job handling yet a majority approve of his policy positions...

President Trump’s “America first” policy and rhetoric over China has broad popular appeal, but a trade war could spill over into attitudes towards foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States...

“Made in China 2025” is an ambitious industrial master plan released in 2014 with the explicit goal of turning China into a manufacturing superpower and challenging the market dominance of advanced economies, while at the same time holding off rising competition from other developing countries. ..

As China transitions from an economic model driven by investment and manufacturing to one that is more services oriented, the consumer economy is slated to stand in for the slack left by heavy industry...

Bill Pierce, a senior director for APCO’s Health Care Practice from our Washington office, shares three things to know about the legislative process for the ACA replacement bill...

Craig Fuller, co-chair of APCO's International Advisory Committee, shares his thoughts on the importance of the FAA's air technology modernization efforts. ..

This year China’s legislature ratified the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020), the country’s highest-level policy planning document and the first developed under President Xi Jinping. In these videos, James McGregor, chairman of APCO Worldwide in Greater China, and Lilian Rogers, associate consultant at APCO’s Beijing office, discuss what to watch for in China over the next five years and whether the 13th FYP encapsulates lofty dreams or realistic reforms for the country’s future. ..

For nearly a decade, APCO's Beijing Director Bruce Fu has been following these trends and advising multinational companies on how to interpret these regulations and keep their business relevant. In these videos, Bruce walks us through the motivations behind China’s technology ambitions, the role that innovation plays, and how technology MNCs should react...

APCO's team in China prepared a special report on China's 13th five-year plan, with analysis of Xi Jinping's priorities for the plan, how the government plans to keep growth on track, and how to revitalize the nation. The report also discusses contradictions of the plan and how it impacts business. A downloadable version is available after the jump...

On April 28, China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress, passed the Foreign NGO Management Law (Chinese/English), the third draft of a law which had already received widespread criticism for moving foreign NGOs operating in China from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), China’s police and security authority. ..

Ahead of China's Two Sessions, Brad Staples shared his wish list for China with CGTN...

The FDA ain’t broke, and it doesn’t need much fixin’. This is a message that is being delivered to the Trump administration from all stakeholders including the regulated industry itself, which hopefully will fall on open ears...

As the US looks forward to opportunities to strengthen world peace and serve the American people, the critical bilateral partnership with India can solve problems and promote global prosperity. ..

No single party or coalition will have the number of seats necessary to govern alone, including the 5 Star Movement and the center-right coalition...

James McGregor joined CNBC to discuss the latest developments in U.S.-China relations and their impact on the domestic economy...

What is expected to be a crucial day might not be that decisive at all...

There is a role for corporate expertise and knowledge to play in shaping the responses to global challenges. Multinationals will have to find a way to become engaged in this fast moving and turbulent environment, making their voices heard. Or they risk being left behind...

Having set his house in order, Xi now aspires to lead China onto the global stage in a far more confident manner than before...

Hailed as the ‘Startup Nation,’ Israel has emerged as a world leader in technology and innovation. ..

In 2017, many large corporations will face a delicate balancing act. ..

For years, Mali’s gov­ern­ment has been strug­gling to estab­lish its legit­i­ma­cy in rur­al areas of the coun­try, both in terms of the state’s phys­i­cal pres­ence and its use­ful­ness to cit­i­zens. The polit­i­cal and secu­ri­ty situation in Mali remains still fractious and convalescent...

UK Prime Minister Theresa May today pledged that her government’s Brexit negotiating strategy will be based around building a stronger, fairer, united and outward looking United Kingdom ..

APCO founder and executive chairman, Margery Kraus spoke about ending corruption on a panel at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting...

It’s fair to say it was not the easiest of starts for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. It’s the first time Bulgaria has held the Presidency, since they joined the EU back in 2007...

Modi’s visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is a crucial moment for India. Davos, as it’s colloquially referred to by the heads of state and titans of industry that attend this exclusive and highly influential event, is one of the biggest stages in the world...

Here is what we expect to be important for multinationals navigating China’s business and policy landscapes in 2018. ..

When Xi Jinping first became leader of the Communist Party, president of the country, and head of the Chinese military five years ago, he characterized China’s relationship with the world as the country’s “catch up and overtake phase.” At the Communist Party of China’s 19thCongress in late October 2017, Xi made it clear that he now believes that China has reached the “overtake phase.”..

Read APCO's full analysis of the 19th NCCPC by leading China expert Jim McGregor and our team in Greater China...

There are a couple of truisms that are important as we evaluate the nomination of Tom Price as HHS secretary and Seema Verma as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services...

In what was not a surprise, Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate and gained enough House seats to have a near historic majority. What was a surprise to most, though not all was the number of seats gained in the Senate...

When Xi Jinping ascended to the Chairmanship of the Chinese Communist Party and Presidency of China in 2012, he was handed a party and country on the tipping point of crisis. China’s economy, reliant on capital investment and heavy industry, was finally running out of steam after 30 years of incredible growth. ..

There has been a lot said over the last few days about John McCain’s legacy. Yet, lost in a sea of accolades, is John McCain the communicator; fervent defender of the press, practitioner of crisis communications, and the undisputed king of straight talk...

Last week, leaked documents indicated that “some firms have enjoyed effective tax rates of less than 1 percent on the profits they’ve shuffled into Luxembourg”. That corporations have used Europe’s complex tax structures to minimise their tax bills is not per se news. ..

Technology associations – and by extension their member companies – have a tremendous opportunity to engage with federal policymakers to inform the development of legislation, regulation and policies...

A recent post on Vox.com carried the provocative headline that “solar power is growing so fast that older energy companies are trying to stop it.” And while distributed solar power might not be forcing traditional utility CEO’s into sleepless nights and a bunker mentality on how to stop its growth, there’s no doubt that the use of solar power – and renewables in general – is making gains...

The food and agriculture industries are incredibly important parts of the U.S. and world economies. Food and agriculture exports are critical to farm incomes in the United States and in many parts of the developing world. Open markets for agriculture goods are especially critical for importing countries in the developing world as these countries, which for a variety of reasons are not self-sufficient in food production, seek to provide a reliable source of food and nutrition for their citizens...

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third version of the travel ban that directly impacts visitors to the United States. Despite the final ruling, few companies spoke out about the decision. ..

The state's propaganda machine was out in force to push a message of pageantry of many nations, not just China...

With the results of the national election in, starting in 2019, Democrats will lead the U.S. House of Representatives. So, what does that mean for healthcare?..

With the increasing demands from the public on knowing more about how a corporation behaves as a “citizen,” PACs engaging in the political process are bound to come under heightened scrutiny...

Maybe the concentration of interest on a former President so respected will move us closer to the kinder and gentler nation he envisioned...

In the waning years of the Obama administration, media and tech reporters said the social web had disrupted the business model for legacy news publishers, forcing rounds of layoffs in newsrooms throughout the country. ..

2015 has been a decisive year for Turkey. It has been one marked by uncertainty and surprises, with escalating geo-political posturing and trenchant governmental maneuvering dominating headlines. But on 1 Nov. 2015, President Recip Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party commanded a majority win, with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu securing a parliamentary majority for the AK Party, which had been lost only five months earlier. ..

On April 16, Turkey went to the polls to cast their decision regarding the new constitution. ..

On July 15th, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to stage a coup. What happens next?..

For much of the two and a half years since the UK’s Brexit referendum in June 2016, the process moved so slowly that it was difficult to believe anything was happening at all. But this week has been crucial. ..

A night of extraordinary political drama has given way to ... a day of extraordinary political drama. ..

2018 was a long year. Many global businesses are ill prepared for an increasingly challenging global regulatory environment, to respond to complex social issues and especially to geopolitical threats and political uncertainty. But those that are better prepared, will be better insulated from unforeseen global shocks...

Companies, organizations and global leaders are preparing to face the many disruptions that await them in the new year. To better understand the current and future landscapes, we surveyed a select group of 28 IAC members and asked them what they see as the most prevalent and mission-critical trends moving forward...