Former SOG Law Firm Senior Associate Jelena Zivkovic has joined NCR Lawyers as a Partner.

While energy is still going strong in the Serbian market, others such as biotechnology and blockchain are certainly worth keeping an eye on, according to SOG in cooperation with Kinstellar Managing Partner Milos Velimirovic.

The National Bank of Serbia (“NBS”) has prepared a Draft Amendments to the Law on Payment Services (“Draft”) and invited experts and other interested parties to submit their suggestions and comments as part of a public consultation by 27 June 2024.

The rise of social media has transformed marketing strategies across the globe, and Serbia is no exception. Influencers - individuals with significant social media followings - play a pivotal role in promoting products and services. The influencer marketing industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years. As of 2024, it is projected to reach a market size of $24 billion, up from $21.1 billion in 2023. However, with this growing industry comes the necessity for regulation to ensure transparency, consumer protection, and ethical practices.

The market for corporate law firms in the Republic of Serbia has undergone significant change.

AP Legal has advised Raiffeisen Banka Belgrade on its issuance of MREL-eligible bonds on the Serbian market and their listing on the Belgrade Stock Exchange.

AP Legal has advised Banka Postanska Stedionica Belgrade on the sale of a EUR 150 million corporate NPL portfolio to KBM ASCO Belgrade.

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.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. While in the legal field maintaining client relationships is vital, there are occasions when law firms must end engagements. To explore some of the reasons that might lead to this, we asked: After accepting mandates, what have been the main reasons for which you ended up having to drop clients?

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus. Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power. However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia.

Serbian Minister of Finance issued the Rulebook on interest rates that are considered to be in line with the arm’s length principle for the year 2024 (Rulebook).

The European Commission has imposed a hefty EUR 337.5 million fine on Mondelēz International, Inc., the world-famous producer of Oreo, Milka and Toblerone, for restricting cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products among EU Member States, in violation of EU competition regulations.

Moravcevic, Vojnovic, and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has advised Menzies Aviation on a joint venture with Air Serbia. Markovic, Vukotic, Jovkovic advised Air Serbia.

Given the complexity of modern legal traffic, the complex economic structures are becoming a standard in today’s business transactions. There is an increase in business activities which include a larger number of participants. Accordingly, disputes involving more than two subjects are occurring ever more often - especially on the international level. In light of this, the ICC International Court of Arbitration even noted an increase in multi-party arbitrations stating that one-third of ICC cases today involve multiple parties.[i]

In an era where social media has become an integral part of daily life, the issue of privacy protection is gaining increasing importance. Typically, social media platforms offer mechanisms to control access to the content which individuals share on their profiles, including the so-called profile “locking”. On the other hand, content on “unlocked” profiles is accessible to an unlimited number of people, allowing anyone who visits a particular profile to view the content created or published by its owner.

The Belgrade-based Subotic & Jevtic law firm has changed its name to Subotic Law.

NKO Partners has advised Igepa Cartacell on a 33% minority shareholding buyout from shareholder Radivoj Cvetic.

In an era where social media has become an integral part of daily life, the issue of privacy protection is gaining increasing importance. Typically, social media platforms offer mechanisms to control access to the content which individuals share on their profiles, including the so-called profile “locking”. On the other hand, content on “unlocked” profiles is accessible to an unlimited number of people, allowing anyone who visits a particular profile to view the content created or published by its owner.