ESG is complicating contract negotiations in Romania, as large-size enterprises impose heavy terms on mid-sized suppliers, sometimes leading to missed opportunities, according to RC International Disputes’ Managing Partner Ramona Cirlig, with climate litigation also rising, potentially impacting future disputes.

Croatia is undergoing significant legal changes, particularly with the introduction of a real estate tax aimed at addressing housing shortages and regulating property use as well as a new lobbying law, according to Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners Senior Partner Goran Ilej.

Slovenia is witnessing high levels of deal activity, particularly in M&A and corporate finance, according to Schoenherr Partner Vid Kobe, with banking sector consolidation leading the charge.

Moldova is in the process of implementing substantive legislative changes, according to PwC Legal Head in Moldova, Ilona Panurco, who outlines the country’s efforts to align with EU acquis, including updates in digital, environmental, and financial regulations.

In Estonia, the push toward renewable energy, particularly offshore projects, is gaining momentum, with recent developments in grid connections and government support schemes, according to Njord Partner Triinu Hiob who also reports on tax changes and judicial reforms on the horizon.

Serbia is quickly becoming a favored destination for foreign couples seeking marriage and new opportunities according to Stojkovic Attorneys Head of Labor and Immigration Mina Radojevic Vlacic.

With a growing economy but significant structural deficits, Romania’s healthcare system struggles with underfunding, slow approval processes, and high taxes, making access to new therapies a slow and challenging endeavor, according to Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii Managing Associate and Head of Pharma and Medical Devices Dominic Morega.

From an uptick in mergers and acquisitions to complex public procurement projects, regulatory changes, and the impact of geopolitical factors on the legal market, Ellex Partner Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs, looks forward to a busier second half of the year than the first.

Croatia seems to be brink of significant legislative changes that could reshape its real estate and financial landscapes, according to Peterka & Partners Zagreb Senior Associate Anja Haramija, who reports on a new real estate tax targeting property owners and regulations aimed at protecting senior citizens.

As the war in Ukraine reshapes the country's economic landscape, the antitrust sector faces significant challenges and transformations, according to Integrites Senior Partner Vyacheslav Korchev, who highlights a growing trend of domestic M&A activity and a push toward aligning with European regulatory standards.

Between new consumer class action laws to anticipated reforms in employment regulations, Dentons Czech Republic Co-Managing Partner Ladislav Smejkal highlights reports on how the evolving legal framework could significantly impact businesses, particularly in sectors where consumer protection is paramount.

Centered around a high-profile public takeover attempt the Austrian market saw this summer, Wolf Theiss Partner Florian Kusznier shares his insights into the country's market landscape, the complexities of recent M&A activities, and the trends shaping Austria’s economic environment.

With a new Minister of Social Affairs aiming to tighten controls on self-employment practices, businesses and legal professionals are left grappling with unclear guidelines and significant risks, according to Fairsquare Partner Erik Schwarcz.

After heightened political tensions preceding June’s elections, Hungary is now implementing a new electronic land registry requiring attorneys to pass an exam, amid ongoing digitalization efforts, according to Nagy es Trocsanyi Partner Orsolya Kovacs.

Reporting on the most interesting recent developments in Bulgaria Gugushev & Partners Law Office Senior Partner Dafinka Stoycheva shares her views on continuing political instability in the country, a major investment dispute, and significant legal and regulatory developments.

Despite the holiday season traditionally being slow, this year has been unusually busy, according to Linklaters National Managing Partner Marcin Schulz, both with notable deals underway and a strong pipeline of anticipated M&A work post-summer.

Turkiye’s economy is showing signs of a resurgence, according to Gen Temizer Partner Bulut Girgin who has observed increased optimism among international investors recently, despite high inflation, and who reports a booming IPO market indicating a positive trend that could lead to a major economic boom.

Recently, there has been a surge in interest in establishing cryptocurrency companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina – spurred by favorable tax conditions – accompanied by increasing investments from the EU and China in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, according to Sajic Law Firm Senior Partner Sanja Djukic.