We summarize an overview of selected legislative changes applicable for 2023. However, there are other major changes to be expected this year, such as a major amendment to the Labour Code, the adoption of the Whistleblower Protection Act or an amendment to the Employment Act. We will, of course, inform you about these changes as soon as their final form is known.
Bulgaria Finally Transposed the Whistleblowing Directive
On 27 January 2023, after more than a year of delay, the Bulgarian parliament adopted Act on the protection of persons who report breaches ("Whistleblowing Act"). The Whistleblowing Act finally transposes the Whistleblowing Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1937) beyond the deadline of 17 December 2021 for all member states. The Whistleblowing Act enters into force within 3 months as from its publication in the State Gazette, which was made on 2 February 2023.
The Czech Republic Government Adopts a Long-Awaited Amendment Changing Rules for Energy Price Caps Applicable to Large Enterprises
In accordance with a contemplated change of the existing EU Temporary Crisis Framework rules stipulating for state aid limits applicable to the whole European Economic Area, the amended Czech Government Regulation sets forth Czech national limits applicable to delivery points in the Czech Republic.
Compulsory Rail Transport of Waste in Austria as of 1 January 2023
Waste transports with a total quantity of more than 10 tonnes must be carried out by rail or other means of transport with equivalent or lower pollutant or greenhouse gas potential (e.g. propulsion by means of fuel cell or electric motor). The decisive factor is the transport distance covered in Austria, which will gradually decrease. From 1 January 2023, this obligation applies to a transport distance of 300 km or more; from 1 January 2024, the distance will be only 200 km.
The Czech Republic Significant Market Power Act Fundamentally Redesigned
As of 1 January 2023, a significant amendment to the Act on Significant Market Power takes effect.
Dmitri Zdobnoh Makes Partner at Eversheds Sutherland
Former Senior Associate Dmitri Zdobnoh has been appointed a Partner with Eversheds Sutherland Estonia as of January 1, 2023.
Michal Smolny Joins Eversheds Sutherland as Partner and Head of Real Estate in Poland
Former Squire Patton Boggs Of Counsel Michal Smolny has joined the Polish office of Eversheds Sutherland as a Partner and the Head of the firm's Real Estate practice as of January 2, 2023.
Michal Wojciechowski Joins Eversheds Sutherland as Head of Public Contracts
Former Hoogells Lawyer Michal Wojciechowski has joined Eversheds Sutherland as a Counsel and the firm’s new Head of Public Contracts.
Borivoj Libal Becomes Third Shareholder of Eversheds Sutherland in Prague
Eversheds Sutherland Prague office Co-Managing Partner Borivoj Libal was appointed as the firm's executive director and became its third shareholder on November 10, 2022.
DLA Piper Advises Cube Infrastructure Managers on Acquisition of MVV Energie CZ
DLA Piper has advised Cube Infrastructure Managers on the acquisition of MVV Energie CZ. Eversheds Sutherland reportedly advised the sellers.
Eversheds Sutherland and Path Law Advise on EWMAJ Sale of FMCG Shops to Stokrotka
Eversheds Sutherland has advised EWMAJ on the sale of assets used for FMCG retail – forming a chain of more than a dozen shops – to Stokrotka. Path Law Hatylak Kielian and Partners reportedly advised Stokrotka.
Mateusz Dereszynski Joins Eversheds Sutherland as Partner and Head of Banking & Finance
Former Hogan Lovells Senior Associate Mateusz Dereszynski has joined Eversheds Sutherland's Polish office as a Partner and Head of the firm's Banking & Finance practice effective December 1, 2022.
White & Case Advises MidEuropa on Acquisition of Optegra
White & Case has advised MidEuropa on its acquisition of a majority stake in Optegra. Eversheds Sutherland reportedly advised the seller.
Closing: Construction of First Ronald McDonald House in Czech Republic Now Complete
On November 29, 2022, Eversheds Sutherland announced that the construction of the first Czech Ronald McDonald House by Nadacni Fond Dum Ronalda McDonalda (reported by CEE Legal Matters on April 21, 2021) had been finalized.
Eversheds Sutherland Advises PJ Expedis on Merger with RSBC Logistics
Eversheds Sutherland has advised PJ Expedis on its merger with RSBC Logistics. Forlex reportedly advised RSBC Logistics.
Eversheds Sutherland Advises Conseq on Acquisition of Production and Storage Assets in Breclav
Eversheds Sutherland has advised Conseq on the expansion of its real estate fund portfolio through a share-deal acquisition of production and storage assets in Breclav's industrial zone.
Eversheds Sutherland Advises Travelcircus on Acquisition of TPF Group
Eversheds Sutherland has advised Germany's Travelcircus on its full acquisition of the TPF Group.
New in Town: Eversheds Sutherland Incorporates Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners to Enter Bulgaria
On June 23, 2022, CEE Legal Matters reported that Eversheds Sutherland entered the Bulgarian market by combining with Sofia-based "long-standing relationship firm" Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners. We spoke with the Bulgarian firm’s Co-Managing Partners Irina Tsvetkova and Nikolay Bebov to learn more about the tie-up and their plans going forward.