Croatian Consumer Protection Act authorizes qualified entities such as consumer organizations and public authorities to bring civil proceedings against traders or trade associations engaged in practices that violate Croatian consumer protection laws. Under the current regime, the competent court is authorized to (i) establish that the infringement occurred, (ii) order the respondent (e.g., trader) to cease the prohibited behaviour and, if possible, to adopt measures necessary to eliminate the harmful effects of respondent’s prohibited conduct, and (iii) prohibit any such or similar future behaviour.

In 2022, the Romanian competition authority focused on closing important investigations, recorded the highest number of cleared mergers in recent history and set the legislative framework for new directions of action and analysis.

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retail sector has been put under the spotlight by the Turkish Competition Authority (the “TCA”) once again.

A fast-track analysis by the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has found that in many cases, companies' advertising communications suggesting sustainability are not backed up by easily accessible and relevant evidence for consumers. The result of the fast-track analyses was disclosed on 17 February 2023.

In January 2023, there was a significant amendment to consumer law, which on the one hand expanded the rights of consumers, and on the other hand introduced a number of new obligations for retailers.

Clifford Chance and its Turkish affiliate Ciftci Attorney Partnership have advised the China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited on the global merger control and foreign investment filings for its full acquisition of the Sinosteel Group Corporation Ltd.