The Regulation (EU) 2024/1991[1], known as the "Nature Restoration Law" ("NRL"), represents a significant EU initiative aimed at reversing ecosystem degradation. The NRL requires Member States to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity and resilience across land and marine areas. Effective from 18 August 2024, the NRL imposes binding targets for ecosystem restoration, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This article analyses the NRL's potential impacts on the private sector, highlighting significant concerns and legal issues.

On August 13, 2024, the Cabinet Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) adopted important resolutions which will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed generation in Ukraine, namely:

In Judgment No. Rev₂ 1986/22 dated November 24, 2023, the Supreme Court took the position that the days during which the employee was on sick leave cannot be counted in the eight-day period within which the employee is obligated to respond to the offer of an annex to the employment contract, starting from the date of receipt of the offer.

The sustainable finance sector has seen a surge, with Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) hitting EUR 212 billion in early 2024^[1], driven by a global emphasis on environmental responsibility and incentivizing ESG-compliant practices. This trend underscores the role of SLLs in corporate finance and global sustainability efforts.

On August 13, 2024, the CMU adopted Resolution N 757-р On some issues of pilot auctions for the allocation of the support quota in 2024 (the “Auction Quota Resolution”).

On 21 August 2024, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy opened a tender procedure for National infrastructure for storage of renewable energy (RESTORE) for granting stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) tender funded under the EU’s Recovery Resilience Facility (the “Procedure”).

As a preliminary overview, as of January 2023, applications for cancellation on absolute and relative grounds, as well as for revocation due to non-use of national trademarks and international trademarks designating Romania, can be brought before the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (the “IPO”).

In a recent legal resolution, an author, a mechanical engineer employed to oversee the printing machinery at a prominent publishing house, found himself at the heart of an unexpected ghostwriting controversy.

On 26 July 2024, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) adopted Resolution 1381, amending key provisions of the following agreements:

Although Lithuania no longer has a national airline, charter companies are popular in the market, especially during holiday periods. Although the Lithuanian aviation industry was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, no charter company has gone bankrupt. In fact, just recently in spring 2024, one charter company undergoing restructuring finished restructuring procedures earlier than planned and successfully continues its operations from Lithuania.

On August 13, 2024, the CMU adopted Resolution N 756-р On some issues related to the contest for the construction of generating capacity and the implementation of demand-side management measures (the “Contest Conditions Resolution”) setting forth the following conditions for the construction of generating capacity:

When importing goods from third countries into the European Union (EU), you must adhere to EU and national laws regarding importing, declaring, and applying customs duties (such as import duty, value-added tax, and excise duty on certain products).

In recent months, Slovenia’s real estate market has experienced significant shifts driven by economic, technological, and regulatory factors, with more changes expected.

On June 15, 2024, the long-awaited Act on the Judicial Protection Procedure for Former Holders of Qualified Liabilities of Banks (ZPSVIKOB 1) entered into force in the Republic of Slovenia.

Slovenia’s economy has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with a projected GDP growth rate of 2.3% in 2024, up from 1.6% the previous year. Inflation has stabilized at around 2.8%, and unemployment is at a historically low rate of 3.7%.

Following a prolonged financial crisis, Greece’s economic recovery has significantly progressed in recent years, leading to a resurgence in the real estate market. This revival is not just a mere uptick but a significant surge, evident in rising property prices, increased transaction volumes, and growing interest from foreign investors. Prominent areas such as Athens and Thessaloniki and popular islands like Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini have experienced a substantial increase in real estate activity.

The energy market in Greece is undergoing dynamic changes and challenges. The country is trying to adapt to the requirements of the energy transition by focusing on the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and enhancing its energy independence. At the same time, legislative developments and initiatives aim to address existing challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

Despite a slowdown experienced in the Greek M&A sector in 2023, primarily attributed to factors such as inflation, increased interest rates, pervasive geopolitical instabilities, and diverging valuation perspectives between sellers and buyers, the ongoing year of 2024 has seen a notable upsurge in transaction activity. This upward trend underscores the robustness and resilience of the market, which is not only recovering but is also attracting heightened attention from international investors.