For more than half a year, Slovenia has been intensively preparing amendments to the Employment Relationship Act (ZDR-1), which is usually called the “little workers’ constitution.” Like any other exemplary EU country, we transpose and implement all EU regulations and directives into our legal order in as timely and effective manner as possible. Unfortunately, this often does not solve the most acute problems of the labor market and the adopted legal solutions do not always help the economy to achieve higher productivity.

ODI Law has advised Tus Holding and AH Invest 1 on the sale of Engrotus to Fortenova. Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners reportedly advised Fortenova subsidiary Mercator.

With the aftermath of the devastating floods that hit Slovenia this year still being felt across multiple sectors, the country is also facing legal challenges – from new taxation policies to upheavals in the healthcare system – according to Fatur Menard Partner Andrej Fatur.

On 7 November 2023, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted an amendment to the Employment Relationships Act (“ERA-1D“) that entered into force on 16 November 2023.

In the wake of catastrophic floods, Slovenia has been grappling with several legal and economic challenges as well – from implementing healthcare reform to combating high inflation – according to Minu Anamaria Gvardjancic, a Partner of Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic.

The initiation of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) on May 2, 2023 marked a pivotal turning point in digital markets. Designed to counteract the monopoly-like tendencies of so-called “gatekeepers” – large online platforms wielding significant power – the DMA is revolutionizing the digital space. However, its implications extend beyond these giant companies, and it’s essential to examine the impact on smaller EU members like Slovenia.

The rising interest rates in Slovenia are reshaping the banking sector, while the renewables sector is looking at potentially clear skies and the M&A sector is experiencing vibrant SME activity on account of a generational change, according to Sibincic Krizanec Novak Partner Matic Novak.

To introduce a permanent foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanism, an amendment to the Investment Promotion Act (Amendment) is expected by the end of June 2023, and the new Prevention of Restriction of Competition Act now foresees a simplified merger review.

NKO Partners has advised the Belgrade-based PGM Live TV production and distribution company on its acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in VPK Balkan from Slovenian production company VPK PRO, thus gaining full ownership of the target. Sole practitioner Nenad Davidovic advised the seller.

Schoenherr Attorney at Law Matej Crnilec has become a new Local Partner in the firm’s Slovenian office.

On August 14, 2023, Binder Groesswang announced that Macquarie Asset Management's acquisition of a significant minority stake in Best in Parking AG (reported by CEE Legal Matters on May 10, 2023) had closed.

The EU Directive on Work-life balance was implemented in the Slovenian national legislation on 01 April 2023, resulting in notable changes and obligations for employers. As for the EU Directive on Transparent and predictable working conditions, its provisions will be incorporated within the amendments to the Employment Relationship Act, which will anticipatedly be presented to the National Assembly for adoption in the upcoming autumn. What implications do these directives hold for businesses?

Fatur Menard has advised the Trigal RE Fund on its acquisition of the Situla commercial building in Ljubljana from Centauro Holdings. The Brezovec law firm reportedly advised Centauro Holdings.

Karanovic & Partners has advised the OTP Group on its acquisition of the Ilirika Fund Management Company in Serbia.

The business situation in Slovenia remains solid, although several challenges worsening prospects for the future are present – from the worker shortage to increasing prices and indications of a potential slowdown – while the country works on its green transition and considers reforming its tax, pension, and health systems and employment legislation, according to Kirm Perpar Partner Jan Gorjup.

On June 30, 2023, Schoenherr announced that OMV’s sale of OMV Slovenija to MOL (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on June 17, 2021) had closed.

In the context of the ESG framework, under the planned allocation within the EU, Slovenia should (according to the EIB) allocate EUR 520 million per year to renewable energy sources and their efficient use, and EUR 780 million per year if we add transport, waste, and water to the equation.

On 22 March 2023, an amendment to the Transnational Provision of Services Act (Zakon o čezmejnem izvajanju storitev – ZČmIS-1, “Act on Cross-Border Services“) was adopted and partially came into force on 18 April 2023, with individual provisions becoming effective on 1 January 2024.