Contributed by Wolf Theiss.

The Hungarian government is actively shaping the market and there are both positive and negative effects on many levels, according to Wolf Theiss Managing Partner Zoltan Faludi.

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 stay up to date with the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas. 

A decade ago, Austrian law firms stood out in terms of their regional presence in CEE. Wolf Theiss Partner Claus Schneider and CMS Managing Partner Johannes Juranek share insights into the growth trajectory of these regional law firms and the current landscape of the Austrian legal market.

Wolf Theiss, working with Baer & Karrer, has advised Farner International on the transaction that saw The Skills Group becoming part of European agency group Team Farner. Haider Obereder Pilz reportedly advised the sellers.

The amended Rules of Proceedings of the Arbitration Court attached to the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (hereinafter referred to as “Rules of Proceedings”) entered into force on 31 December 2022, which apply to proceedings commenced on the date of the entry into effect or thereafter.

Wolf Theiss has advised the IFC on its acquisition of a minority stake in Vienna Insurance Group-owned pension assurance company Doverie.

On 11 December 2022, the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Preventing and Counteracting Mobbing (Harassment)” (the “Mobbing Law”) became effective.

Wolf Theiss has advised the JP Hospitality Investors Club and the JP Immobilien Group on two hotel development and lease agreements for projects in Kitzbuehel and Trieste. DSC Doralt Seist Csoklich and Graf von Westphalen reportedly advised the two hotel operators.

Wolf Theiss, working with Shearman & Sterling, has advised BNP Paribas Personal Finance on its sale of BNP Paribas Personal Finance Bulgaria to Eurobank Bulgaria. Deloitte Legal and Boyanov & Co advised the buyer.

Wolf Theiss has advised Speedwell on developing its first industrial project in Romania, located northwest of Bucharest.

As of 1 January 2023, Croatian employers should start with the implementation of new employment rules not only in employment agreements and internal documents but also in practice. After years of discussion between all involved parties, the amendments to the Labour Act were passed mid-December 2022 and entered into force on 1 January 2023 (apart from certain provisions which will enter into force on 1 January 2024).

Wolf Theiss has advised Austrian state holding company OeBAG on the extension of its partnership with America Movil concerning Telekom Austria. Schoenherr reportedly advised Telekom Austria.

Kinstellar has advised BRD-Groupe Societe Generale on its EUR 24.3 million financing to Speedwell for the development of two green residential buildings in Timisoara, Romania. Wolf Theiss reportedly advised Speedwell.

Wolf Theiss, working with Clifford Chance, has advised private equity investor Altor – on behalf of Altor Funds – on the acquisition of an 80% majority stake in Kommunalkredit Austria and entering into a partnership with the existing owners and the management of the bank.

Former SSW Pragmatic Solutions Partner Igor Muszynski has joined Wolf Theiss as a Partner and Head of the Energy & Natural Resources team in Warsaw.

The year 2023 in Romania started with hopes for more legislative clarity concerning fire safety. Order No. 180 / 2022 issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Approval of the Methodological Norms on Fire Safety and Civil Protection Endorsements and Approvals (the “Fire Safety Norms”) was published in the Official Gazette of Romania on 27 December 2022.

It’s time to use the RRF for the promotion of energy storage in the CEE region.