On February 14, 2024, the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) approved the Network Development Plan 2023 submitted as a result of the coordinated work of the Hungarian TSO (transmission system operator – MAVIR Zrt.) and distribution network operators.

With the introduction of a recent omnibus legislative proposition presented to the Grand National Assembly on January 29, 2024, a significant legislative shift will occur in Turkiye’s renewable energy production sector.

Despite martial law, Ukraine has significantly advanced its renewable energy agenda over the last year. Ukraine’s trajectory in the renewable energy sector is not merely a response to challenges but a proactive and strategic approach to shaping a greener and more sustainable future.

Class Actions Act in force: a game-changer in consumer claims enforcement against businesses in the Czech Republic?

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus. Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power. However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia.

On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution for a directive aimed at improving working conditions on platforms. This is a significant step towards addressing the needs of platform workers, such as 'Bolt' and 'Wolt' couriers, throughout the European Union.

Serbian Minister of Finance issued the Rulebook on interest rates that are considered to be in line with the arm’s length principle for the year 2024 (Rulebook).

On 1 May 2024, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine's Order No.136 as of 1 April 2024, came into effect, cancelling Order No.206 as of 15 June 2022. This change has significant implications for the renewable energy sector in Ukraine, as detailed below.

The European Commission has imposed a hefty EUR 337.5 million fine on Mondelēz International, Inc., the world-famous producer of Oreo, Milka and Toblerone, for restricting cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products among EU Member States, in violation of EU competition regulations.

The development of the hydrogen economy has been recognised as one of the priorities for the implementation of the European Green Deal, the main goal of which is to achieve climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. Poland is Europe's third-largest producer of hydrogen; however, its production is done exclusively with fossil fuels for companies' own needs. The regulations currently in force in Poland do not provide adequate conditions for the effective implementation of the strategy for the development of the green (renewable) hydrogen market.

Given the complexity of modern legal traffic, the complex economic structures are becoming a standard in today’s business transactions. There is an increase in business activities which include a larger number of participants. Accordingly, disputes involving more than two subjects are occurring ever more often - especially on the international level. In light of this, the ICC International Court of Arbitration even noted an increase in multi-party arbitrations stating that one-third of ICC cases today involve multiple parties.[i]

A popular practice among consumers under the age of 30 is to purposely search for better-value alternatives to items from well-known brands. Started to gain followers on social media, this idea has become a phenomenon, with entrepreneurs setting up e-stores, boldly claiming to sell dupes (short for "duplicates"). Others sell their own products "inspired" by current trends. And while supply is generally justified by demand, it raises the question of whether duplicates are an innocent more affordable alternative or an unfair profiting on the back of another. Public opinion is divided, but we are going to examine what the law says.

We bring you a brief overview of important legislative news from the Slovak Republic that should not escape your attention.

Discussing the draft bill aimed at increasing the contribution to legal costs for suspects not found guilty in criminal proceedings. Recently, the government has published its revised bill.

In an era where social media has become an integral part of daily life, the issue of privacy protection is gaining increasing importance. Typically, social media platforms offer mechanisms to control access to the content which individuals share on their profiles, including the so-called profile “locking”. On the other hand, content on “unlocked” profiles is accessible to an unlimited number of people, allowing anyone who visits a particular profile to view the content created or published by its owner.

After prolonged delays, the Estonian Parliament finally incorporated the EU Whistleblowing Directive into national law on 15 May 2024 by passing the Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers of Work-Related Violations of European Union Law (referred to as the Whistleblower Protection Act).

On 25 April 2024, Ukrainian Parliament adopted the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Regulation of Labour of Domestic Workers”, which introduces regulation of labour relations with domestic workers. The Law supplements the Labour Code of Ukraine (the “Labour Code”) with a new Chapter "Labor of Domestic Workers".

For our Checking In feature, we reach out to partners and heads of practice across CEE to learn how specific practice areas are faring in their jurisdictions. For this piece, we asked firm Labor experts:  Have whistleblowing regulations been implemented in your jurisdiction and would you advise companies to use an external solution or an in-house one? Why?