CEE Legal Matters
In-depth coverage of the news and newsmakers that shape Europe's emerging markets
We summarize an overview of selected legislative changes applicable for 2023. However, there are other major changes to be expected this year, such as a major amendment to the Labour Code, the adoption of the Whistleblower Protection Act or an amendment to the Employment Act. We will, of course, inform you about these changes as soon as their final form is known.
On 27 January 2023, after more than a year of delay, the Bulgarian parliament adopted Act on the protection of persons who report breaches ("Whistleblowing Act"). The Whistleblowing Act finally transposes the Whistleblowing Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1937) beyond the deadline of 17 December 2021 for all member states. The Whistleblowing Act enters into force within 3 months as from its publication in the State Gazette, which was made on 2 February 2023.
In accordance with a contemplated change of the existing EU Temporary Crisis Framework rules stipulating for state aid limits applicable to the whole European Economic Area, the amended Czech Government Regulation sets forth Czech national limits applicable to delivery points in the Czech Republic.
Waste transports with a total quantity of more than 10 tonnes must be carried out by rail or other means of transport with equivalent or lower pollutant or greenhouse gas potential (e.g. propulsion by means of fuel cell or electric motor). The decisive factor is the transport distance covered in Austria, which will gradually decrease. From 1 January 2023, this obligation applies to a transport distance of 300 km or more; from 1 January 2024, the distance will be only 200 km.
As of 1 January 2023, a significant amendment to the Act on Significant Market Power takes effect.
Former Senior Associate Dmitri Zdobnoh has been appointed a Partner with Eversheds Sutherland Estonia as of January 1, 2023.
Former Squire Patton Boggs Of Counsel Michal Smolny has joined the Polish office of Eversheds Sutherland as a Partner and the Head of the firm's Real Estate practice as of January 2, 2023.
Former Hoogells Lawyer Michal Wojciechowski has joined Eversheds Sutherland as a Counsel and the firm’s new Head of Public Contracts.
Eversheds Sutherland Prague office Co-Managing Partner Borivoj Libal was appointed as the firm's executive director and became its third shareholder on November 10, 2022.
DLA Piper has advised Cube Infrastructure Managers on the acquisition of MVV Energie CZ. Eversheds Sutherland reportedly advised the sellers.
Eversheds Sutherland has advised EWMAJ on the sale of assets used for FMCG retail – forming a chain of more than a dozen shops – to Stokrotka. Path Law Hatylak Kielian and Partners reportedly advised Stokrotka.
Former Hogan Lovells Senior Associate Mateusz Dereszynski has joined Eversheds Sutherland's Polish office as a Partner and Head of the firm's Banking & Finance practice effective December 1, 2022.
White & Case has advised MidEuropa on its acquisition of a majority stake in Optegra. Eversheds Sutherland reportedly advised the seller.
On November 29, 2022, Eversheds Sutherland announced that the construction of the first Czech Ronald McDonald House by Nadacni Fond Dum Ronalda McDonalda (reported by CEE Legal Matters on April 21, 2021) had been finalized.
Eversheds Sutherland has advised PJ Expedis on its merger with RSBC Logistics. Forlex reportedly advised RSBC Logistics.
Eversheds Sutherland has advised Conseq on the expansion of its real estate fund portfolio through a share-deal acquisition of production and storage assets in Breclav's industrial zone.
Eversheds Sutherland has advised Germany's Travelcircus on its full acquisition of the TPF Group.
On June 23, 2022, CEE Legal Matters reported that Eversheds Sutherland entered the Bulgarian market by combining with Sofia-based "long-standing relationship firm" Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners. We spoke with the Bulgarian firm’s Co-Managing Partners Irina Tsvetkova and Nikolay Bebov to learn more about the tie-up and their plans going forward.
Eversheds Sutherland with offices in Bratislava and Prague and as part of an international network, provides comprehensive legal advice also in foreign jurisdictions.
Our team consists of a total of more than 40 lawyers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, most of whom have previously worked at major international and local law firms and have extensive experience in particular in the areas of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, real estate, employment law, competition law, litigation and arbitration, energy, infrastructure, as well as environmental and ESG law.
Our advisory services are offered in Slovak, German, Czech and English language. Members of our team include attorneys registered with the Austrian Bar Association. On this basis, and because we are part of Eversheds Sutherland, we are also able to offer extensive legal support on various foreign legal issues.
We listen to our clients, we understand their business and we also understand what they need. So we can always find the best solution for the particular situation. We work quickly, efficiently and take responsibility for our work.