The Global Counsel Podcast

Harrison Coldray, Senior Associate in our Financial Services team, is joined by Heike Schmitz, Partner and Co-Head of ESG EMEA at Herbert Smith Freehills' Frankfurt office. As a new Commission shapes up in the European Union, the evolution of sustainable finance policy & politics will be critical to shaping a Clean Industrial Deal. This podcast looks at the emerging regulatory framework, a renewed focus on mobilising capital into transition finance, and the tough political choices the Commission has ahead of it. The EU, in many respects, had led the way to date in developing a robust framework for mobilising capital into sustainable activities. However the podcast explores the ways in which policymakers could ensure they bring consumers, businesses, and investors with them on this journey. 

Harrison Coldray, Senior Associate in our Financial Services team, sits down with James Alexander and Oscar Warwick Thompson from the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) to discuss where the sustainable finance agenda might be heading under a new government ambitious about unlocking flows of green capital to fund their 'missions'. They anticipate key areas of divergence from the previous government, including in approaches to regulatory frameworks, planning, and mobilising private capital through catalytic government action. The pressure on corporates and investors in closing the UK's green finance gap is no doubt ramping up, however the discussion highlights where government could play a role in removing blockages and creating the necessary economic conditions for sustainable investment to flow. 

This month, in our 'Back to school' edition, Isabelle Trick is joined by Global Counsel colleagues across our offices to discuss the new European Commission, UK party conference season, Germany's regional elections, and the United Nations General Assembly week. Tom White, our Europe Director explores the formation of the new European Commission, the allocation of portfolios, and the new balance of power. Find out more about our work on Europe and Eurasia politics and policy. Bex Bailey, Associate Director in our UK politics and policy team joins to discuss the importance of party conference season in the UK, why this year is different, and how to make the most of fringe events. Find out more about our work on UK politics and policy. Jannis Kettenring, Associate in our Berlin office analyses the performance of the far-right party AfD in recent German state elections and the difficulties of government formation there, the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg and their potential impact on the national political conversation. Find out more about our work in Berlin. Finally, Alexander Smotrov, Director for Multilateral Platforms, joins Isabelle to delve into the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the events and discussions that take place during this time, highlighting the relevance for businesses and NGOs. Find out more about our work in major events and convening.If you, your business or your investment is affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team - www.global-counsel.com

On this month’s episode, Isabelle is joined by Practice Director Matt Bevington, Director Ana Gradinaru, Senior Associate Alexander van der Wusten, and Analyst Karolina Lagercrantz. Matt discusses the immediate domestic policy priorities for the UK after the election, and talks about the significance of the EPC summit for the UK's relationship with the EU.Ana discusses how the French population will vote in the second round of the elections, and what a likely 'cohabitation' will mean for President Macron and for French policy on anything from defence to immigrationAlexander and Karolina discuss the role of the new NATO Secretary General and the enlarged membership in addressing issues such as Ukraine and the relationship with the US.

On this month’s episode, Isabelle is joined by Europe Director Tom White, President of GC US Erin Caddell, and Senior Associate Giulia Pasquali. Tom discusses the European elections including the current state of play, the challenges of building a stabilizing majority and the future of Ursula von der Leyen and her flagship policies. Erin analyses the current state of the US presidential race, the upcoming Biden-Trump debates, and the potential policy implications of the US election. Giulia explores the G7 Leaders Summit covering topics such as a deal on seized Russian assets, migration, and the B7 summit. They also discuss the impact of the Italian presidency on Prime Minister Meloni and the future of the Matei plan.

On this month’s episode, Isabelle is joined by Senior Practice Director Thomas Gratowski, Senior Associate Ross Nugent, and Europe Director Tom White. Ross covers the upcoming Indian election, the organisation of the election process, Modi's prospects for re-election, the challenges faced by opposition parties, and India as an investment destination.Tom discusses the upcoming final plenary session of the European Parliament before the Parliament elections in June. He explores the key legislative files that need to be addressed, as well as expectations for what the next Parliament might look like.Thomas discusses the upcoming IMF and World Bank spring meetings and the economic context leading into the meetings. They explore the financial pressures on emerging markets and the IMF's lending activities.

On this month’s episode, Isabelle is joined by UK Country Director Alex Dawson, Senior Practice Director Thomas Gratowski and Practice Director Alexander Smotrov. Thomas covers the Iranian elections, including the role of the Assembly of Experts and the risk of public unrest. They also discuss the geopolitical context of the elections, particularly in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict.Alexander discusses the Russian presidential election, exploring why Putin is still eager to hold elections, the potential impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the economic backdrop.Finally, Alex analyses the significance of the UK spring budget and how the Conservatives might use it to set a trap for the Labour Party.

On this episode of the Global Counsel Podcast, Associate Director Anikó Zsebik is joined by Associate Katarzyna Nowacka and Associate Maude Bauman to discuss ongoing trends in EU energy, looking ahead to the next political cycle. They dive into recent shifts in EU energy policy, from focusing on energy security, to looking at decarbonization and competitiveness, their geopolitical drivers, and draw out what we can expect will be the next challenges for policymakers, both at European and national levels. They also touch upon what to expect for renewable energy markets, and upon other existential questions that have arisen as part of the EU's path to net zero in the energy sector.