GA-Grimaldi Alliance, a prominent international law and tax firm with a robust network spanning over 80 jurisdictions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Bejan & Associates, a leading law firm in Moldova. This collaboration significantly strengthens GA-Grimaldi Alliance's geographical reach, increasing its European footprint.

Led by Ms. Viorica Bejan, Bejan & Associates is a key player in the Moldovan legal market. The firm boasts a deeply experienced team that serves a diverse customer base, including private clients, SMEs, startups, large local and international companies, public bodies, and NGOs. Bejan & Associates brings extensive expertise across a wide array of legal fields, such as corporate law, administrative law, contract law, banking and financial law, anti-money laundering compliance, data protection, artificial intelligence, real estate, public procurement, intellectual property, M&A, as well as litigation and mediation.

GA-Grimaldi Alliance developed its initial understanding of the Moldovan market through its Brussels office by conducting a comprehensive compliance assessment on behalf of the European Commission. This assessment focused on evaluating the alignment of the Republic of Moldova’s civil aviation legislation with the EU acquis and represented a key milestone in the implementation of the Common Aviation Area Agreement (CAAA). As Moldova progresses on its path toward future EU accession, this exercise provided GA-Grimaldi Alliance with critical insights into the country's regulatory and market environment. It also laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and strategic engagement in the region.

Francesco Sciaudone, Managing Partner of GA-Grimaldi Alliance, commented on the expansion: " GA-Grimaldi Alliance is committed to developing an extensive network to serve our clients wherever they need assistance. We are incredibly pleased to announce the expansion of our footprint into Moldova. With Viorica and her team, we aim to provide a full-service offering for the Moldovan market, seamlessly combining local expertise with a strategic global vision. This approach will be invaluable in supporting both domestic companies and the growing number of international players investing in the country."

This strategic alliance underscores GA-Grimaldi Alliance's dedication to providing comprehensive legal and tax services globally, leveraging strong local partnerships to deliver unparalleled value to clients.

GA-Grimaldi Alliance Launches Cybersecurity and Digital Compliance Practice and Welcomes Salvatore Figliuolo as New Partner

Grimaldi Alliance – GA, the leading law firm renowned for its innovative and client-centric global legal services, is pleased to announce the establishment of a new Cybersecurity and Digital Compliance Desk. This strategic initiative - designed to support public and private clients, both domestically and internationally, in preventing digital risks, managing data, and ensuring compliance with Italian and international regulations - underscores GA's relentless commitment to providing outstanding and thorough legal support to help businesses navigate the raising challenges of the digital era.

The new practice will be led by Mr. Salvatore Figliuolo, an experienced lawyer who will join GA as a new partner. Mr. Figliuolo has gained extensive exposure to technology law and cybersecurity, both in Italy and abroad, coupled with significant managerial roles in Generative AI companies.

GA realizes the importance of moving from a reactive assistance approach to a more proactive approach, aimed at strengthening clients' digital resilience. As a result, the new desk will offer joint legal and technical support, also thanks to the collaboration with Visibily, a managed security service provider (MSSP) company specialized in advanced enterprise solutions. This unique desk will provide integrated legal and technological services including:

1. Digital risk and vulnerability analysis;
2. Review and set up of internal policies and data management protocols;
3. Training and staff awareness on security and privacy issues;
4. Ongoing assistance during inspections, data breach situations, and digitalization projects;
5. Management of relationships with authorities (e.g., Police, Data Protection, Cybersecurity, European Authorities).

With this new initiative, Grimaldi Alliance – GA reaffirms its commitment to supporting clients through their digital evolution with a practical, multidisciplinary, and prevention-oriented approach. The team will also leverage the existing expertise within the law firm, particularly in privacy and administrative law.

Francesco Sciaudone, Managing Partner of Grimaldi Alliance – GA, commented: "The arrival of Salvatore Figliuolo and the launch of the Cybersecurity and Digital Compliance desk represent a natural evolution in GA's growth toward a more and more sophisticated professional services market. In an environment where companies are increasingly exposed to digital risks, and to evolving complex regulations, we believe essential being able to offer clients a comprehensive and integrated support – both domestically and internationally – combining legal expertise with technological solutions. The cooperation with a sophisticated technical partner and the synergies among our internal desks further strengthen our ability to support promptly, concretely, and strategically our clients in facing these new digital challenges."

This document aims to provide a thorough examination of the European Union’s approach to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening, with a particular focus on presenting the diverse perspectives of EU institutions on the key topics involved. It highlights how the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council differ and converge on the objectives, scope, procedures, and powers related to FDI screening, thereby illustrating the ongoing political dialogue shaping the final regulatory framework.

The first section explains the driving forces behind the EU’s increasing emphasis on coordinated FDI screening. It identifies growing concerns over the potential risks that foreign investments may pose considering both the external geopolitical context and the internal difficulties. Following this, the document presents a detailed timeline outlining the development of the FDI screening initiative and the stances of the EU institutions.

The core of the document examines the main issues related to FDI screening and the differing views between the institutions that will be discussed during the trilogue, reflecting broader debates between national sovereignty and EU-level coordination within this framework. It begins by defining the scope of national screening mechanisms, clarifying which types of investments and sectors are subject to review. It then explores the procedural aspects of these mechanisms. The attention is then to the criteria used for risk assessment.

The document also discusses the rules for multi-jurisdictional transactions, where investments span multiple Member States. Then, central to the EU’s approach is the cooperation mechanism established to facilitate information sharing and joint assessments among Member States. Finally, the willingness of the Parliament to expand the role and powers of the European Commission is examined.

In conclusion, the document summarises the balance that must be struck between protecting security and public order and preserving the EU’s attractiveness to foreign investors, highlighting ongoing debates among institutions.

At the end, a table summarises the positions of various EU institutions on the FDI screening proposal, providing insight into the political dynamics shaping the final regulatory framework.