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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A&O Shearman advises Ceske Radiokomunikace on a CZK 5 billion refinancing transaction arranged by Komercni Banka, Ceska Sporitelna, ING, Citibank, PKO Bank Polski, Raiffeisen Bank, and Tatra Banka. Clifford Chance advised the banks.