In the Hungarian Gazette of 8 August 2024, four long-awaited decrees were published, which supplement and detail the provisions of the Hungarian ESG Act.
The Status and Future Prospects of AI Regulation and Development in Montenegro
Montenegro lacks specific legal regulations or national strategies for AI, with current AI activities governed by general legal principles from existing laws. Despite the absence of detailed regulations or strong government support, public awareness of AI is relatively high, with 59.1 % of citizens familiar with the technology. Several initiatives are actively promoting the safe development and use of AI, reflecting a growing public interest in influencing future AI regulations.
The Tax Yearbook for 2023: More Encouragement, More Strictness
As in every year, the Hungarian tax administration has published its yearly summary with the most important trends and numbers regarding taxation in Hungary during 2023. In the last year it seemed that, while the tax authority was still increasing its efforts to entice the taxpayers’ voluntary compliance, fines have also soared to unprecedented heights. The statistics also show that it remains worthwhile to take the case to the courts if one finds the National Tax and Customs Administration’s decisions unlawful.
Tax Penalty Amounts Doubled in Hungary
Default penalty amounts generally has been doubled in Hungary as of 1 August 2024. According to the Governmental Decree published in the Hungarian Gazette on 8 July 2024, overwriting the Act on the Rules of Taxation, the increase is due to the Ukrainian war and is theoretically effective by the end of the emergency period.
Montenegro's New Renewable Energy Regulation: Insights and Key Novelties
The Parliament of Montenegro passed the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, which was published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro on August 23rd, 2024. The Law will enter into force on the eighth day from the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.
Hungary and Switzerland Strengthen Economic Ties with Updated Tax Treaty
Hungary's growing economic performance and competitive tax system offer a good business environment for companies from Switzerland, while the presence of Hungarian companies in Switzerland is also growing.
Summary of Latvia’s New National Cyber Security Law
On 1 September 2024, the National Cyber Security Law came into force, replacing the Law on the Security of Information Technologies.
Changes in the Designation of Building Authorities
On 8 August 2024, a new Government decree was published on the designation and operating conditions of the building authorities.
Pay-or-Okay: Guidelines of the European Data Protection Board
As we wrote in our earlier article, according to the decision made by the German data protection authority at the end of last year, the use of the “pay-or-okay” principle is generally allowed. This model involves a cookie notice (via a so-called cookie banner) on a website, giving the user the choice between:
New Regulations on Online Payments in Hungary: What You Need to Know
In July 2024, the Hungarian Government introduced significant changes to the regulations governing online payments, aiming to enhance consumer protection and the security of electronic transactions.
Poland: DORA Compliance Deadline Approaches
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), along with the NIS2 directive, is a crucial piece of European legislation aimed at strengthening cybersecurity within the EU. While NIS2 focuses on a broader range of critical sectors, DORA specifically targets the financial sector, establishing a robust framework to ensure that regulated financial entities can withstand, respond to and recover from disruptions and threats related to information and communications technology (ICT). DORA complements other EU regulatory frameworks by introducing standardised requirements for digital operational resilience, which financial entities must incorporate into their risk management strategies by its effective date of 17 January 2025.
The Status and Future Prospects of AI Regulation and Development in North Macedonia
North Macedonia currently lacks AI-specific regulations, lagging behind neighbouring countries that have implemented guidelines or laws. Although the Macedonian Fund for Innovation and Technology Development (FITD) and the government initiated efforts in 2021 to create a National Strategy for AI (National Strategy), progress has been slow due to challenges such as insufficient data, human resources, and technical capabilities. Despite this, there is a strong commitment, supported by organisations like the World Bank and UNDP, to develop a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with European Union (EU) standards.
Understanding the Legal Aspects of the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
The European Union lawmakers have completed the group of many sustainability and circularity-focused initiatives introduced during the last legislative cycle. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a significant step towards promoting sustainable and responsible business practices and more transparent company operations. This Directive completes the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) from December 2022, which updates the process of how and what companies report in their non-financial statements, according to European sustainability standards.
Ukraine: Introducing Construction Licensing for Non-residents Under the Simplified Procedure
On 16 August 2024, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as of 9 August 2024 No. 925 ("Amending Resolution") became effective and introduced amendments to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as of 18 March 2022 No. 314 "On Certain Issues of Ensuring of Carrying Out Commercial Activities During Martial Law" ("Resolution on Simplified Licensing Procedure").
Bulgaria is Considering Further Support for Wind Projects and Regulation of BESS
The Bulgarian energy regulator has proposed changes to the Grid Connection Ordinance No. 6, adopted earlier this year, which aim to provide flexibility in the application process, support for wind projects, and further regulation of battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Guest Worker Residence Permit – The list of Eligible Countries is Finally Here
In 2024, Hungary introduced new regulations concerning the employment of guest workers. The new law, which took effect at the start of the year, outlines specific criteria for obtaining a guest worker residence permit. Under the new regulations, a guest worker can receive a residence permit if the following conditions are met:
Montenegro’s New Gambling Framework: A Step Towards Responsible Growth
In August 2024, Montenegro’s government took a significant step towards modernising the country’s gambling industry by adopting the Fiscal Strategy for 2024-2027. This ambitious plan, aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and responsible governance, includes substantial changes to the gambling framework that could reshape the sector’s future.
How to Address the Issue of Authorship When Publishing a Photograph by an Unidentified Author?
Recently, the Court of Appeal in Belgrade, in its ruling No. Gž4 168/22 dated May 30, 2024, addressed the issue of determining copyright infringement in a case where, at the time of publication of the work, a different author was credited as the author.