Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are undoubtedly one of the most influential new technologies of our time and are playing an increasingly important role in a wide range of sectors. It is exactly their distinguishing feature from ordinary software that makes them so tricky for the law: their ability to learn and operate, even make decisions autonomously raises hard questions about accountability and proof. The fast-growing use of AI, its widespread integration into all sectors from healthcare to finance not only means fast growing regulatory activity across the EU but also increases the risk of AI-related harmful activities and failures. Such failures naturally create a growing threat of AI-related litigation.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With 2025 almost behind us, it’s a good time to reflect on what truly made a difference this year. This time around, we asked: If you had to pick one, what was the 2024 decision that moved your firm forward the most in 2025?

DLA Piper has advised FL Technics, part of the Avia Solutions Group, on the acquisition of Job Air Technic from the Czechoslovak Group. NKL Legal reportedly advised the Czechoslovak Group. White & Case reportedly advised on the financing.

Isaac Asimov’s series of short stories under the title I, Robot introduced the world to his Three Laws of Robotics and the character Dr Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist called on when a robot’s behaviour became questionable or harmful.

DLA Piper has advised Upvest on the fundraising relating to the Nova Amerika mixed-use development in Brno by Crestyl. Dentons and, reportedly, White & Case advised Crestyl.

DLA Piper has advised ASTA Energy Solutions on its initial public offering on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Schoenherr, working with Linklaters, advised the banks involved.

Schoenherr, working with Linklaters, has advised the underwriting syndicate on the initial public offering of ASTA Energy Solutions. DLA Piper reportedly advised ASTA Energy Solutions.

Boyanov & Co, working with DLA Piper, has advised Eurobank, Eurobank Bulgaria, and Eurobank Private Bank Luxembourg on the financing of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management, the concessionaire of the civil airports in Varna and Burgas.

Kinstellar has advised Cresco on the acquisition of a residential development project in Prague’s Zizkov district from Finep. DLA Piper advised Finep.

RTPR has advised Arobs Transilvania Software on the acquisition of Quest Global Romania. DLA Piper advised the sellers.

Schoenherr has advised the shareholders of Storyclash on its sale to Kolsquare. DLA Piper reportedly advised Kolsquare.

DLA Piper has advised Ig Tech CC on its acquisition of Iberdola's Hungarian wind farm portfolio with Premier Energy. CMS advised Iberdola.

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.

PRK Partners Partner Radan Kubr, ACI Partners Senior Associate Doina Doga, Schoenherr Bulgaria Co-Head of Competition Yoana Strateva, Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii Partner and Head of Competition & Antitrust Raluca Vasilache, Zornada Law Office Attorney at Law Ivan Zornada, and DLA Piper Hungary Country Managing Partner Andras Posztl explore how, respectively, the Czech Republic, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Hungary approach foreign investment screening: the differences in strictness, the sectors regulators watch most closely, the impact on deals, and the practical challenges investors run into on the ground.

An in-depth look at Gabor Borbely of DLA Piper Hungary, covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

Hungary has an exceptionally high rate of homeownership. Residential property serves not only as a place to live but also as a traditional form of savings and investment. According to Eurostat data, Hungary has experienced one of the steepest increases in house prices in the EU since 2010, far surpassing the European average. This surge poses serious challenges for individuals willing to buy a home.

Austria’s real estate market in 2025 is navigating one of its most challenging periods in decades. Rising interest rates of the past years, construction cost inflation, and tighter financing conditions have triggered a wave of insolvencies and reshaped transaction dynamics. At the same time, landmark deals and sweeping legal reforms are reshaping deal structures.

Koutalidis has advised sponsors of the New Good Energy on the issuance of a common secured bond loan. Sardelas Petsa, working with DLA Paper, advised the National Bank of Greece, which acted as bondholder agent and paying agent, and subscribed for the full amount of the bond loan.