Croatia is undergoing significant legal changes, particularly with the introduction of a real estate tax aimed at addressing housing shortages and regulating property use as well as a new lobbying law, according to Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners Senior Partner Goran Ilej.

Effective from 1 January 2025, Croatia will introduce a new property tax law. This new law will replace the current vacation home tax and apply to all residential properties, with certain exemptions. Local governments will institute the new law and set tax rates within a specified range by taking into account property characteristics and other factors.

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.

Former Savoric & Partners Senior Associate Sandra Tomaskovic has joined the Croatian office of Nlaw as Partner. As a result of the move, the Croatian office was renamed to Hren-Tomaskovic.

Wolf Theiss, working with Jeantet, has advised Ancala on the acquisition of Elektrana Grubisno Polje from Akuo Energy. Divjak, Topic, Bahtijarevic & Krka reportedly advised Akuo Energy.

Croatia seems to be brink of significant legislative changes that could reshape its real estate and financial landscapes, according to Peterka & Partners Zagreb Senior Associate Anja Haramija, who reports on a new real estate tax targeting property owners and regulations aimed at protecting senior citizens.

Cytowski & Partners has advised SplxAI on USD 2 million preseed financing from Inovo.vc, South Central Ventures, and Runtime Ventures.

Contributed by Savoric & Partners.

Savoric & Partners has advised Kompare on its acquisition of the Progreso Group.

Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic Partner Tena Tomek talks about the evolution of the firm’s energy practice and their role as legal advisors in energy projects in Croatia over the last 10 years.

CMS has advised TurboVolt on its sale to Eleport. Ellex advised Eleport and, reportedly, Schoenherr advised Eleport on Austrian, Croatian, and Slovenian law.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With managing firm clients being a critical aspect of firms’ operations, we asked: What are the three most important elements when onboarding a new client?

Savoric & Partners has advised Studenac Market on its acquisition of 36 retail stores from Decentia. Law Office Korotaj advised the sellers.

Greenberg Traurig has advised CCC Group on the up to PLN 1.8 billion term and revolving facilities provided by a consortium of banks and finance institutions. Clifford Chance and Lakatos, Koves and Partners advised the lenders.

Schoenherr has advised BlackPeak Capital and Catalyst Romania Fund II on a EUR 10 million Series B funding for Leanpay.

CMS, working with Herbert Smith Freehills, has advised IFC on its EUR 200 million blue and green sustainability loan loan for Maistra Hospitality. Dentons reportedly advised Maistra Hospitality.

Almost two years ago, I discussed in an article published in CEE Legal Matters the presence of “green” bonds and financings in Croatia. The thesis put forward in that article was focused on the necessity of companies and financial service providers to be more “green” in terms of the products they offer on the Croatian (capital) markets and goals on sustainability which should be accomplished.

Schoenherr has advised Siemens Energy on a joint venture agreement with Koncar for the production of transformer tanks. Mamic Peric Reberski Rimac advised Koncar.