Hungary’s legal and business landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by a steady increase in M&A activity, rapid digitalization, and evolving regulatory frameworks, according to DLA Piper Hungary Partner and Head of Intellectual Property and Technology Zoltan Kozma.

Jovovic, Mugosa & Vukovic Attorney at Law Bojana Nikcevic discusses the impact of judicial delays, activities of the Bar Association, and the legislative changes that are set to reshape Montenegro’s competition law, business regulations, and corporate compliance in the country.

Sustainability-related disputes, cyber security issues, and corporate restructurings are shaping Austria’s legal dispute landscape, with courts and arbitration increasingly tackling ESG issues and greenwashing claims, according to Taylor Wessing Partner Ivo Deskovic who highlights a surge in insolvencies as well as the long-anticipated implementation of the EU Class Action Directive.

The recent 30-day lawyer strike has sent ripples across Serbia’s legal and business environment, disrupting key judicial and administrative functions and raising concerns about prolonged instability. Schoenherr Partner Igor Zivkovski discusses the strike’s impact, investor sentiment, as well as a promising corporate bond program, and the evolving regulatory framework as Serbia navigates a period of uncertainty.

The last two months have been marked by political uncertainty, according to Act Legal Romania Partner Mihaela Posirca. While challenges like a new tax on construction emerge, positive developments in deals and regulatory clarity provide a balanced outlook for the year ahead.

Highlights in Hungary are delayed real estate digitization, stricter ESG compliance, and regulatory deal flow complexities, according to Szecskay Senior Partner Judit Budai, with her projecting that sectors like IT, defense, infrastructure, and ESG compliance will dominate the agenda in the near future.

Addleshaw Goddard’s infrastructure and energy practice has been active across Central and Eastern Europe, with projects spanning battery storage, energy investments and motorways in Poland, disputes in Romania, and offshore wind development in Lithuania, according to Partner Marton Eorsi who highlights the growing necessity of private sector involvement in CEE, particularly in transport, energy transition, and urban mobility.

With preparations for the 2025 CEE General Counsel Summit in full swing, AMB Legal Partner Davor Majstorovic shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he’s looking forward to the most.

Oppenheim and Jipyong have joined forces to launch a dedicated Korean desk in Hungary. With Korea now ranking as Hungary’s third-largest investor and government initiatives driving opportunities in manufacturing and trade, Partners Istvan Szatmary, Jozsef Bulcsu Fenyvesi, Seong Chang, and Ji Hye Lee explore how the partnership aims to bridge cultural and regulatory gaps and enhance regional engagement.

With preparations for the 2025 CEE Legal Matters Regional General Counsel Summit and Deal of the Year awards gala in Prague in full swing, Marton Eorsi, a Corporate Finance Partner at Addleshaw Goddard’s London office, shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.

Gospic Plazina Stojs Partner Lana Stojs talks about banking and finance in 2025 in Croatia.

Law Office Lazarov Attorney at Law Gordana Susuleska-Itic talks about banking and finance in 2025 in North Macedonia.

On January 16, 2025, competition experts from Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the evolving role of the regulatory authorities in their countries.

On November 14, 2024, banking and finance experts from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Poland sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss digitalization and the impact of tech on the banking sector in CEE.

On November 7, 2024, M&A experts from Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine participated in a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the FDI screening regimes in their country and key developments in the area on the horizon.

On February 29, 2024, energy experts from Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field of oil & gas over the past few years.

On March 26, 2024, TMT/IP, fintech, and emerging technology experts from Hungary, Romania, and Turkiye sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Neag to discuss how Blockchain-related technologies, businesses, and legislation are shaping up in their jurisdictions.

On November 21, 2023, corporate/M&A and private equity experts from Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field over the past decade.

In October-November 2024, we interviewed Ukrainian general counsels to understand current trends in engaging local counsels and use of legaltech in their day-to-day activity. Interviews were held to demonstrate to in-house lawyers, international law firms, and investors the most effective tools for selecting local counsel.

The EU’s AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legislation on artificial intelligence, imposes the bulk of its due diligence obligations on companies that sell AI systems that are particularly risky for people’s health or fundamental rights.

Let’s be honest – most law firm websites aren’t exactly thrilling. In theory, they should exude expertise, professionalism, and credibility. In reality? Many are riddled with outdated designs and buzzword-filled copy that says a lot without actually saying anything. 

Beyond financial indicators, a law firm's performance also depends on operational and client satisfaction KPIs. These metrics enable firms to optimize time management and enhance service quality, directly impacting client loyalty and the firm's long-term growth.

Initially, the role of Office Managers in law firms was focused on administrative and organizational tasks, such as managing documentation, coordinating meetings, and ensuring the smooth operation of the office.

The profitability of a law firm relies on meticulous financial management and a thorough analysis of performance metrics. By leveraging essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), firms can assess and enhance their financial health. Metrics such as revenue growth, average billing rates, and the breakeven point provide valuable insights that empower strategic decision-making and drive performance optimization.

Hungary’s legal and business landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by a steady increase in M&A activity, rapid digitalization, and evolving regulatory frameworks, according to DLA Piper Hungary Partner and Head of Intellectual Property and Technology Zoltan Kozma.

Jovovic, Mugosa & Vukovic Attorney at Law Bojana Nikcevic discusses the impact of judicial delays, activities of the Bar Association, and the legislative changes that are set to reshape Montenegro’s competition law, business regulations, and corporate compliance in the country.

Sustainability-related disputes, cyber security issues, and corporate restructurings are shaping Austria’s legal dispute landscape, with courts and arbitration increasingly tackling ESG issues and greenwashing claims, according to Taylor Wessing Partner Ivo Deskovic who highlights a surge in insolvencies as well as the long-anticipated implementation of the EU Class Action Directive.

In October-November 2024, we interviewed Ukrainian general counsels to understand current trends in engaging local counsels and use of legaltech in their day-to-day activity. Interviews were held to demonstrate to in-house lawyers, international law firms, and investors the most effective tools for selecting local counsel.

The recent 30-day lawyer strike has sent ripples across Serbia’s legal and business environment, disrupting key judicial and administrative functions and raising concerns about prolonged instability. Schoenherr Partner Igor Zivkovski discusses the strike’s impact, investor sentiment, as well as a promising corporate bond program, and the evolving regulatory framework as Serbia navigates a period of uncertainty.

Addleshaw Goddard’s infrastructure and energy practice has been active across Central and Eastern Europe, with projects spanning battery storage, energy investments and motorways in Poland, disputes in Romania, and offshore wind development in Lithuania, according to Partner Marton Eorsi who highlights the growing necessity of private sector involvement in CEE, particularly in transport, energy transition, and urban mobility.