On 6 December 2024, the Law on Amendments to the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and the Law on Amendments to the Law on Public Notaries entered into force. These two laws were adopted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia on 28 November 2024.
First Year of the New EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework: Analysis of Reports by the European Commission and the European Data Protection Board
The European Commission and the European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) have recently published reports on the first year of implementation of the new EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”). These reports analyze the application of data protection mechanisms in cross-border transfers between the EU and the U.S., as well as ongoing challenges.
NKO Partners and BIT Law Advise on Dr Max's Acquisition of Ivancic i Sin Pharmacy Chain in Serbia
NKO Partners has advised Dr Max on its acquisition of the Ivancic i Sin pharmacy chain in Serbia from Bratislav Ivancic and Nada Milovanovic Ivancic. BIT Law advised the sellers.
Serbia's Big Money Moves: A Buzz Interview with Nikola Sugaris of ZSP Advokati
Serbia’s capital markets are maturing, with bond issuances expected in 2025 and renewed interest in alternative investment funds following reduced thresholds, according to ZSP Advokati Partner Nikola Sugaris.
Legal Challenges for OpenAI
In light of Elon Musk’s recently expanded lawsuit, which includes antitrust claims and names Microsoft as an additional defendant, OpenAI faces yet another legal challenge. As a global leader in the development of generative artificial intelligence, OpenAI remains committed to its mission: creating AI technology that benefits humanity while actively addressing legal and ethical dilemmas.
Strengthening Economic Ties: Hungary and Serbia Amend Double Taxation Convention
The longstanding partnership between Hungary and Serbia has taken another step forward with the recent amendment to the double taxation convention. These agreements are crucial for eliminating double taxation on income and assets for both individuals and companies, fostering a more favorable business climate.
Non-Material Damage Indemnity in Serbia – Adjudication of Statutory Default Interest and the Costs of Civil Proceedings
Non-material damage is determined by Serbian law as inflicting on another physical or psychological pain or causing fear. Also, the law prescribes that the court shall, after finding that the circumstances of the case and particularly the intensity of pains and fear, and their duration, provide a corresponding ground thereof – award equitable damages for physical pains suffered, for mental anguish suffered due to reduction of life activities, for becoming disfigured, for offended reputation, honor, freedom or rights of personality, for the death of a close person, as well as for fear suffered.
Amendments to Serbia’s Energy Act: Lifting the Ban on Nuclear Energy
The Serbian Parliament has passed the amendments to the Energy Act, introducing significant reforms to the nation’s energy policy – a landmark change is lifting the long-standing moratorium on nuclear power plant construction, which has been in place since 1989 following the Chernobyl disaster. The updated legislation also includes broader measures aimed at modernizing Serbia’s energy sector.
Redundancy Procedure in Serbian IT Sector: Causes and Outcomes
The IT sector, a cornerstone of modern economies, is not immune to market fluctuations and corporate restructuring. While its growth trajectory often defies broader economic downturns, redundancies in IT have become a reality in Serbia and across Europe due to shifts in demand, technological evolution, and economic uncertainties. This article delves into the redundancy procedure in Serbia’s IT sector, contrasts it with practices in Europe, and explores the causes and potential outcomes of such measures, with real-world examples.
Platform eConsultations: Easier Way of Informing and Enabling the Participation of Interested Parties in the Process of Preparation and Adoption of Regulations
Back in the year 2021 the platform „eConsultations“ was set up under the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on the establishment of platform „eConsultations“ with the goal of enabling easier participation of interested parties/public in the process of preparation and adoption of not only laws, but also of other regulations and acts, by possibility for the public to be informed through this platform of whether certain law or regulation is in the process of preparation or of when shall the public hearing regarding a draft law take place, as well as by possibility for the interested parties/public to take part in the process of preparation and adoption of these acts by providing comments electronically (online).
Redistribution of Working Hours: Limitations and Conditions for Reapplication During the Calendar Year
In this article, we address the issue of the redistribution of working hours, specifically the conditions and limitations for its introduction and application within a single calendar year.
Milica Topic Becomes Regional Legal and Compliance Officer-Eastern Europe at Beko Balkans
Milica Topic has become the new Regional Legal and Compliance Officer-Eastern Europe at Beko Balkans.
Navigating the Technological Revolution in Law: A Personal Perspective
As someone leading my firm's digital transformation efforts over the past five years, together with the firm’s Senior Partners, I've been involved in the adoption of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. It has been a challenging yet stimulating journey, and I want to share my insights into what drove this transformation.
All Serbian Eyes on Expo 2027: A Buzz Interview with Rastko Malisic of MMD Advokati
Serbia appears to be entering a period of robust growth and transformation, driven in large part by Expo 2027 and targeted investment initiatives, according to MMD Advokati Partner Rastko Malisic. While the real estate and hospitality sectors are at the forefront of this boom, Malisic notes that other industries are grappling with challenges amid broader geopolitical uncertainties.
Developments in Serbian Anti-Trust Practice: A High-Profile Case Against Major Retailers
On October 10, 2024, the Serbian Commission for the Protection of Competition (Commission) launched an investigation against four large retail chains – Delhaize Serbia, Mercator-S, Univerexport, and DIS – over possible anti-competitive practices, i.e., alleged retail price-fixing and coordination. The four major retailers account for over 50% of the Serbian retail market.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Personal Data Protection: Challenges and Opportunities
The advancement of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), inevitably affects our daily lives and raises important questions regarding privacy protection. This article explores the key aspects of the relations between artificial intelligence and personal data protection, with a particular focus on the European Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI Act) in relation to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as the legislation of Serbia.
Serbia’s Renewable Energy Sector
Serbia’s renewable energy market is in the midst of transformation, driven by domestic reforms and international partnerships – most recently, with the governments of France and the USA in the field of energy efficiency.
What Is Hindering the Growth of the Digital Asset Market in Serbia – Regulation or Fear of Uncertainty?
Excitement was high when, just over three years ago, the Law on Digital Assets came into effect, positioning Serbia as a pioneer among countries recognizing the development opportunities of advanced technologies that lacked a regulatory framework to reach their full potential. This was followed by a protracted period of enacting secondary legislation, alongside global macroeconomic turbulence, which inevitably impacted the development of industries and markets, especially those that are “young” and insufficiently mature. Despite the enthusiasm and efforts of the local Web3 community and advocates for using digital assets as a tool to boost the national economy, these hurdles appear to have significantly slowed the anticipated growth.