Montenegro lacks specific legal regulations or national strategies for AI, with current AI activities governed by general legal principles from existing laws. Despite the absence of detailed regulations or strong government support, public awareness of AI is relatively high, with 59.1 % of citizens familiar with the technology. Several initiatives are actively promoting the safe development and use of AI, reflecting a growing public interest in influencing future AI regulations.

Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Panattoni on the construction of a new built-to-own facility in Lodz, to be developed for E.G.O.-Group. Schoenherr reportedly advised E.G.O.-Group.

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.

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

Moravcevic, Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has advised Integral Venture Partners on its acquisition of a 50% stake in EsoTron. Karanovic & Partners advised the founders of EsoTron on the sale.

The Regulation (EU) 2024/1991[1], known as the "Nature Restoration Law" ("NRL"), represents a significant EU initiative aimed at reversing ecosystem degradation. The NRL requires Member States to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity and resilience across land and marine areas. Effective from 18 August 2024, the NRL imposes binding targets for ecosystem restoration, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This article analyses the NRL's potential impacts on the private sector, highlighting significant concerns and legal issues.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Schoenherr's Miklos Klenanc talks about the upcoming event and the panel he'll be moderating.

Wolf Theiss, working alongside Clifford Chance, has advised Cellnex Telecom on the EUR 803 million sale of its Austrian telecommunications tower assets to a consortium comprising Vauban Infrastructure Partners, EDF Invest, and MEAG. Schoenherr, working with the Paris and London offices of Hogan Lovells, advised the buyers.

The sustainable finance sector has seen a surge, with Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) hitting EUR 212 billion in early 2024^[1], driven by a global emphasis on environmental responsibility and incentivizing ESG-compliant practices. This trend underscores the role of SLLs in corporate finance and global sustainability efforts.

Schoenherr has advised EBG MedAustron on the expansion of the MedAustron cancer treatment and research center in Wiener Neustadt. 

In Austria, almost 1,000 units of stored blood are needed every day; in Germany, it is around 15,000 units. Blood is an important emergency medication in the event of accidents, childbirth, surgeries or serious illnesses. It has a shelf life of only 42 days and cannot be produced artificially.

Schoenherr has promoted Nora Olah to Local Partner in its Bucharest office.

RTPR has advised Romcim on its acquisition of Tehno World. Schoenherr advised Romcim on the associated merger clearance and FDI filing and Popovici, Nitu, Stoica & Asociatii advised TehnoWorld on the deal.

Schoenherr has advised Austrotherm GmbH on the merger control filings for the acquisition of the EPS insulation business unit of the Austrian insulation manufacturer Brucha.

RTPR has advised Innova Capital on the sale of Optical Investment Group to EssilorLuxottica. Schoenherr reportedly advised EssilorLuxottica.

Schoenherr has advised Funke Works on its acquisition of Freyspiel from Sonja and Jakob Frey. Griss & Partners advised the sellers.

Moravcevic, Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has advised Fortis Renewable Energy on the acquisition of a 180-megawatt solar power plant in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia.