In the wake of a recently concluded election cycle in North Macedonia, businesses and investors are closely monitoring the new government's policy directions, according to Papazoski and Mishev Law Firm's Attorney at Law Ivan Mishev.

In Austria, economic challenges confronting businesses keep lawyers busy, according to Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner Partner Florian Kranebitter. Financial difficulties, compounded by post-COVID-19 financial strains and challenges in the supply chain are at the top of the agenda alongside a drive to nurture startups and an increasing emphasis on sustainability.

Montenegro is making significant strides towards European Union membership by satisfying interim benchmarks in negotiation chapters 23 and 24, essentially aimed at strengthening the rule of law, according to BDK Partner Luka Popovic who shares a number of updates on important legislative changes in the country.

The Slovenian justice system has been abuzz in recent months with talks of digitalization, according to Senica & Partners Partner Maja Subic, who also reports on the ongoing administrative strike in the country. Despite the latter and other grounds for initial concern, the year is shaping up well for the Slovenian market.

The Romanian legal landscape is buzzing with changes in the life sciences sectors. With the presence of global pharmaceutical companies and a push for innovative therapies, the country is solidifying its position as a key market, while advancing toward economic stability, according to Musat & Asociatii Deputy Managing Partner Dan Minoiu.

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.

With ESG and AI becoming increasingly important for all businesses, the two are set to impact law firms in Hungary as well while the country looks to tackle immigration reforms and enhance consumer protections, according to Schoenherr Hungary Managing Partner Daniel Gera. Against this background, a noticeable trend of FDI sources tilting East is registered.

Chronic delays and procedural inefficiencies are key issues plaguing Greece's judicial system, according to Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners Deputy Managing Partner Dimitris Emvalomenos, despite past and recent changes aimed at improving legal proceedings.

The Turkish Competition Authority's proactive measures in various sectors have been the element to follow in Turkiye according to Actecon Managing Partner Bahadir Balki, with the TCA's current priorities including labor market investigations, resale price maintenance, and digital market regulations.

Estonia's legal landscape in dispute resolution remains surprisingly stable amid economic turmoil, Cobalt Managing Associate Annika Peetsalu reports. Despite a surge in bankruptcies, particularly in the construction sector, the volume of legal disputes has not significantly increased.

The recent elections in North Macedonia marked a shift in government, as reported by Lalicic & Boskoski Partner Angela Andonova, with the transition including the establishment of new ministries and a restructuring of current ones, setting the stage for upcoming legislative actions.

Albania is going all in on harmonizing with European Union standards – especially in the realm of intellectual property, according to Boga & Associates Partner Renata Leka. Despite plenty of ground left to cover, the Boga Partner is optimistic the country will see "significant progress in the coming years."

Croatia's economic outlook is on the rise, with improvements in mergers and acquisitions activity compared to last year according to Lovric Novokmet & Partners Partner Mate Lovric who discusses the positive trends in GDP growth, investments, and key sectors like energy and tourism that are driving this upward trajectory.

Legal changes abound in Kosovo with contested advocacy laws and ongoing judicial reform, says Hodaj & Partners Managing Partner Taulant Hodaj, who highlights that despite challenges, favorable tax laws and investor-friendly policies persist in attracting businesses.

A surge in small and mid-sized M&A deals, the rising trend of collective legal actions, and some major infrastructure developments are at the top of lawyers' agendas in Slovenia, according to Jadek & Pensa Senior Partner Aleksandra Jemc Merc.

In a detailed discussion on Moldova’s evolving fintech sector, ACI Partners Head of Fintech and E-Payments Nicolina Turcan highlights significant progress, largely driven by technological advancements, cross-border market integration, and the country's need to align its regulatory framework with EU regulations and directives and adjust its payment infrastructure.

From a significant downturn in project financing to promising developments in green energy, particularly wind, CMS Partner Eszter Torok shares valuable insights into the complexities of the Hungarian market against the backdrop of shifting economic and regulatory landscapes.

Boyanov & Co. Partner Kina Chuturkova highlights progress made in Bulgaria in terms of reforming the judicial system but areas where improvements are still needed remain.