New Joint Instruction No. 196/2024, “On cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, and the State Intelligence Service regarding the issuance of residence permits for foreigners” (the “Instruction”), came into effect on 22 October 2024. This Instruction, aimed at clarifying and improving coordination among public institutions, does not amend existing residence or unique permit (i.e., a residence permit issued for employment purposes that combines both the residence and work permit) procedures for foreign nationals. Instead, it reaffirms the established process, ensuring that it remains consistent while improving transparency and efficiency.

CMS Partner Evis Zaja reports rapid legal and economic developments in Albania, including upcoming amendments in the competition sector, new cybersecurity laws, and the country's increasing appeal to international businesses.

Under Albanian law, employment intermediary activities are carried out by two types of agencies. The first type consists of “Recruitment Agencies,” which facilitate the hiring of individuals to work for a third party. The second type includes “Temporary Employment Agencies” (TEAs), which recruit and hire individuals for temporary assignments with host companies while keeping them on the agency’s payroll.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

CMS has advised 6 Degrees Capital and other investors on the EUR 5 million funding round for Nobilegroup. KPMG Law advised Nobilegroup.

Wolf Theiss has advised joint lead managers and bookrunners Raiffeisen Bank International and M.M.Warburg & Co on the exchange offer of bonds issued by UBM Development in 2019 and 2021 and on the subsequent cash subscription offer of the EUR 93 million 7% green bond 2024-2029. DLA Piper advised UBM Development.

Contributed by Arzinger

The commercial legal markets of Central & Eastern Europe didn’t appear automatically. They didn’t develop in a vacuum. They were formed, shaped, and led, by lawyers – visionary, hard-working, commercially-minded, and client-focused individuals pulling the development of CEE’s legal markets along behind them as they labored relentlessly for their clients, their careers, their futures. 

On 19 September 2024, BDK Advokati celebrated 20 years since its establishment. BDK Advokati Managing Partner Tijana Kojovic and Senior Partner and Head of the Montenegrin office Luka Popovic reflect on this milestone and discuss the journey of the firm, its evolution, achievements, and aspirations for the future.

ESG has long been considered a niche concept, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, over time the picture has completely changed and the market has not only mastered the meaning of ESG, but a large number of companies have adapted their business to all or rather most of environmental, social, and governance principles.

Former Maric & Co Partner Slaven Dizdar has left the firm to launch Dizdar Law Office in Sarajevo.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

CMS has advised Solar Park Trakia on the licensing of the 50-megawatt Sinotovo photovoltaic project by the Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission as well as on its financing from Postbank.

Dealmaking is a dance with a uniquely complex, dynamic and unrehearsed choreography. Numerous factors come into play. Ticking all the boxes, satisfying or waiving the conditions precedent (merger clearances, regulatory and third-party approvals, etc.), every step duly documented and catalogued in a closing memo and a closing binder, and ultimately celebrated at a stylish closing dinner.

Schoenherr has advised Pan-Pek on securing a EUR 20 million long-term loan from Privredna Banka Zagreb, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Savoric & Partners has advised Accor on its partnership with Jadran Hoteli.

Schoenherr has promoted Vienna-based Stefanie Aichhorn-Woess, Alfred Amann, Johannes Frank, Ayla Ilicali, Christoph Jirak, Sara Khalil, Sebastian Lukic, Johannes Stalzer, and Stefanie Stegbauer, Zagreb-based Kresimira Kruslin, Warsaw-based Daniel Radwanski, and Bucharest-based Nora Olah to Partner (already announced in August this year).

Clifford Chance has advised BPD Development on the sale of its development land in Prague to Daramis. AK Felix reportedly advised Daramis.

Eversheds Sutherland has advised E. Hofmann Plastics on its acquisition of PAP Packaging from Manfreplast in Liquidazione. Urban & Hejduk advised the sellers.

A&O Shearman has advised Reinsberg Group on its acquisition of a majority stake in Brandon Medical. Veronique Marot & Co Solicitors reportedly advised Brandon Medical.

Former Eurobank Head of Legal Services Division Alexia Kefalogianni has joined Bernitsas Law as Counsel.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

The development of offshore wind farms in Greece represents an ambitious step in the country’s energy transition, further promoting the shift towards renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The regulatory framework governing the installation and operation of offshore wind farms has evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting both national and international energy commitments, as well as the technological and environmental challenges accompanying such investments.

A new draft regulation was put to public consultation until 27 September 2024 that could bring significant changes to the operation of district heating systems in Hungary. The aim of the regulation is to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal and biomass in district heating, thus reducing dependence on natural gas and costs.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

Oppenheim has partnered up with the Korean law firm Jipyong by signing a memorandum of understanding, leading to Jipyong opening a Korea Desk in Hungary.

Rymarz Zdort Maruta has advised EWE on the sale of EWE Polska and its group companies EWE Przesyl and EWE Energia to Eesti Gaas for a total value of EUR 120 million. CMS and Ellex advised Eesti Gaas.

Triniti has advised Mainor Ulemiste on its acquisition of the Technopolis Ulemiste campus in Tallinn, Estonia.

TGS Baltic has advised the metal band Horror Dance Squad on finalizing the recording and publishing contracts with the Swedish record label Icons Creating Evil Art.

The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo approved the new Bankruptcy Law no. 08/L-256 on July 11, 2024, which was published in the Official Gazette on August 6, 2024, and will enter into force 15 days from the date of publication.

Baker McKenzie has successfully defended Kosovo Telecom in a Swiss Rules Arbitration against a Kosovar company reselling its mobile credit as well as in the subsequent challenge of the award at the Swiss Supreme Court.

On January 25, 2024, the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo published a list of concept notes anticipated for drafting and adoption by the Kosovo Government in the present year. The concept note, a regulatory prerequisite to the enactment of legislation within a specified domain, specifies the objectives of prospective governmental policy and the optimal modalities for their implementation.

TGS Baltic has advised one of the founders and sole board member of Altero Group Arturs Kostins on his exit and management handover to OM Teenused. Ellex reportedly advised OM Teenused.

Ellex has advised Capitec on its acquisition of AvaFin. Bowmans reportedly advised the buyers as well.

Cobalt, working with Cooley, has advised Printify on its merger with Printful. Ellex, working with Latham & Watkins, advised Printful.

TGS Baltic has advised Pro Bro Group on its EUR 2 million bond issuance with Siauliu Bankas as the distributor.

Walless has advised Iki Lietuva on its full acquisition of LastMile from UAB Startcap. TGS Baltic reportedly advised Startcap.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

In the past few years, North Macedonia has made significant strides in developing its infrastructure. Attracting foreign investors is the main strategy to finance, construct, develop, and manage essential infrastructure projects. The government also engages in PPPs, recognizing their potential to leverage private sector expertise and capital in public service delivery.

The spring of 2024 marked a pivotal shift in the Macedonian financial market, with significant reforms on the horizon. As of March 2024, the related legislative framework has come under intense scrutiny, aiming to align more closely with European directives and capital market regulations. This effort has culminated in the adoption of the new Law on Financial Instruments (LFI) and the Law on Prospectus and Transparency Obligations of Securities Issuers (LPTOSI). The primary objective of these reforms is to enhance market efficiency and strengthen the stability of the financial system.

North Macedonia, strategically located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, south-eastern Europe, is a landlocked country with a unique advantage. Its position between two main European corridors, coupled with political and democratic stability and a favorable tax and regulatory framework, makes North Macedonia a promising destination for potential foreign investors. The country offers abundant possibilities, especially in greenfield investments, renewable energy, software, IT services, logistics, construction, cannabis production, agriculture, food services, tourism, etc.

The topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has lately become an actual and increasingly important aspect in Moldovan law. Until recently scarcely regulated, the activity involving GMOs was subject to significant legal loopholes. This led to the inherent risk pertaining to GMOs being difficult to control, especially with agriculture playing an important role in the national economy.

Bancassurance is a strategic partnership in which a bank collaborates with an insurance company to offer insurance products to the bank’s customers. This mutually beneficial arrangement not only allows banks to generate extra income through the sale of insurance policies, but also enables insurance companies to broaden their customer reach without the need to expand their sales teams.

Moldova is in the process of implementing substantive legislative changes, according to PwC Legal Head in Moldova, Ilona Panurco, who outlines the country’s efforts to align with EU acquis, including updates in digital, environmental, and financial regulations.

JPM Partners has successfully represented the Montenegrin Agency for Audiovisual Media Services in an administrative dispute initiated by the Serbia-based Pink Media Group.

The Misdemeanor Court in Podgorica recently imposed a fine of EUR 806,953.09 on the telecommunications company M:tel doo Podgorica (“M:tel”) for the acquisition, by its related Serbian company, of 50% shares in the Slovenian company Arena Sport doo Ljubljana (“Arena Sport”).

The Law on the Waiver of Interest on Outstanding Tax Obligations (“Law”) has been officially adopted and will take effect on 1 January 2025. This Law allows for the waiver of unpaid interest on tax obligations that became due before 31 December 2024.

CMS has advised Scope Fluidics on an agreement with Bio-Rad Laboratories under which it received USD 30 million in settlement of conditional payments related to the sale of the Curiosity Diagnostics SPV.

Rymarz Zdort Maruta has advised Mutares on the acquisition of Natura from Pelion. CMS advised Pelion on the deal.

BCGL and Dotlaw have advised Symfonia on its acquisition of Nefeni. WBW Weremczuk Bobel and Partners advised the sellers. Nowakowska Muzal reportedly advised Symfonia as well.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

CWB has successfully represented the interests of Renault and its Romanian subsidiary Dacia before the Serbian Supreme Court.

Schoenherr has promoted Vienna-based Stefanie Aichhorn-Woess, Alfred Amann, Johannes Frank, Ayla Ilicali, Christoph Jirak, Sara Khalil, Sebastian Lukic, Johannes Stalzer, and Stefanie Stegbauer, Zagreb-based Kresimira Kruslin, Warsaw-based Daniel Radwanski, and Bucharest-based Nora Olah to Partner (already announced in August this year).

Contributed by Clifford Chance.

Contributed by Alrud.

The commercial legal markets of Central & Eastern Europe didn’t appear automatically. They didn’t develop in a vacuum. They were formed, shaped, and led, by lawyers – visionary, hard-working, commercially-minded, and client-focused individuals pulling the development of CEE’s legal markets along behind them as they labored relentlessly for their clients, their careers, their futures. 

On October 10, 2024, the Serbian Commission for the Protection of Competition (Commission) launched an investigation against four large retail chains – Delhaize Serbia, Mercator-S, Univerexport, and DIS – over possible anti-competitive practices, i.e., alleged retail price-fixing and coordination. The four major retailers account for over 50% of the Serbian retail market.

The advancement of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), inevitably affects our daily lives and raises important questions regarding privacy protection. This article explores the key aspects of the relations between artificial intelligence and personal data protection, with a particular focus on the European Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI Act) in relation to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as the legislation of Serbia.

Serbia’s renewable energy market is in the midst of transformation, driven by domestic reforms and international partnerships – most recently, with the governments of France and the USA in the field of energy efficiency.

The National Council of the Slovak Republic has recently approved significant changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) rates, which will come into effect as of January 1, 2025. Here are the key updates:

On October 25, 2024, White & Case has announced that E&'s acquisition of PPF Telecom Bulgarian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Slovakian assets (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on August 9, 2023) has now closed.

From 1 April 2025, Slovakia will introduce a new financial transactions tax (daň z finančných transakcií) as part of the government´s consolidation package. This is not an early April fools' day joke.

Slovenia’s real estate market is thriving, with robust foreign and domestic investments. Key legal and industrial shifts such as new work-life balance laws and reforms in the energy and healthcare sectors are reshaping its economic landscape, according to Krizanec & Partners Partner Dinar Rahmatullin.

Kocian Solc Balastik, working with ODI Law, has advised Energo-Pro Group on the sale of Litostroj Group to Wikov Industry.

Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic, has advised Gunnebo Safe Storage on its acquisition of the Primat Group. Lah, Jambrovic & Partners and Podjed, Kahne & Partners advised the sellers.

Former Dogan Holding Chief Legal Counsel Ebru Ersoy has become the new Chief Legal Counsel at Nurol Bank.

Paksoy has advised Turkven on the acquisition of Medianova.

White & Case and its Turkish affiliate GKC Partners have advised Ronesans Holding's subsidiary Renell Kokshetau on the financing of a EUR 456 million public-private partnership healthcare project for the construction and operation of a hospital in Kazakhstan. Clifford Chance reportedly advised the financing institutions.

KPD Consulting has advised VD Group on its acquisition of the LvivTech.City project from UFuture Holding.

Avellum has advised the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund on launching its USD 50 million direct investment program.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.