From day one of the Obama era, union leaders want the lights dimmed on how they spend their mandatory member dues.

WSJ: Quantum of Solis

Sanctions or demands for mandatory budget cuts need to be approved by member governments, and the big two have enough support among their fellows to block them.

ECONOMIST: Europe's stability pact meets national sovereignty

The agency has conducted mandatory safety audits of the civil aviation authorities of member countries since 1999.

CNN: How do you know your airline is safe?

Britain will be obliged to pay something approaching 300m euros for EPS-SG anyway as a member of Eumetsat, where it will be a mandatory programme.

BBC: Weather satellites and the gathering storm

Citic Pacific's managing director is Henry Fan, who took a leave of absence as a member of Hong Kong's executive council and chairman of the city's Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority after the company's announcement.

FORBES: Riding Herd