The Bulgarian energy regulator has proposed changes to the Grid Connection Ordinance No. 6, adopted earlier this year, which aim to provide flexibility in the application process, support for wind projects, and further regulation of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

In 2024, Hungary introduced new regulations concerning the employment of guest workers. The new law, which took effect at the start of the year, outlines specific criteria for obtaining a guest worker residence permit. Under the new regulations, a guest worker can receive a residence permit if the following conditions are met:

In August 2024, Montenegro’s government took a significant step towards modernising the country’s gambling industry by adopting the Fiscal Strategy for 2024-2027. This ambitious plan, aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and responsible governance, includes substantial changes to the gambling framework that could reshape the sector’s future.

Recently, the Court of Appeal in Belgrade, in its ruling No. Gž4 168/22 dated May 30, 2024, addressed the issue of determining copyright infringement in a case where, at the time of publication of the work, a different author was credited as the author.

The Regulation (EU) 2024/1991[1], known as the "Nature Restoration Law" ("NRL"), represents a significant EU initiative aimed at reversing ecosystem degradation. The NRL requires Member States to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity and resilience across land and marine areas. Effective from 18 August 2024, the NRL imposes binding targets for ecosystem restoration, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This article analyses the NRL's potential impacts on the private sector, highlighting significant concerns and legal issues.

On August 13, 2024, the Cabinet Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) adopted important resolutions which will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed generation in Ukraine, namely:

In Judgment No. Rev₂ 1986/22 dated November 24, 2023, the Supreme Court took the position that the days during which the employee was on sick leave cannot be counted in the eight-day period within which the employee is obligated to respond to the offer of an annex to the employment contract, starting from the date of receipt of the offer.

The sustainable finance sector has seen a surge, with Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) hitting EUR 212 billion in early 2024^[1], driven by a global emphasis on environmental responsibility and incentivizing ESG-compliant practices. This trend underscores the role of SLLs in corporate finance and global sustainability efforts.

On August 13, 2024, the CMU adopted Resolution N 757-р On some issues of pilot auctions for the allocation of the support quota in 2024 (the “Auction Quota Resolution”).

On 21 August 2024, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy opened a tender procedure for National infrastructure for storage of renewable energy (RESTORE) for granting stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) tender funded under the EU’s Recovery Resilience Facility (the “Procedure”).

As a preliminary overview, as of January 2023, applications for cancellation on absolute and relative grounds, as well as for revocation due to non-use of national trademarks and international trademarks designating Romania, can be brought before the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (the “IPO”).

In a recent legal resolution, an author, a mechanical engineer employed to oversee the printing machinery at a prominent publishing house, found himself at the heart of an unexpected ghostwriting controversy.

On 26 July 2024, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) adopted Resolution 1381, amending key provisions of the following agreements:

Although Lithuania no longer has a national airline, charter companies are popular in the market, especially during holiday periods. Although the Lithuanian aviation industry was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, no charter company has gone bankrupt. In fact, just recently in spring 2024, one charter company undergoing restructuring finished restructuring procedures earlier than planned and successfully continues its operations from Lithuania.

On August 13, 2024, the CMU adopted Resolution N 756-р On some issues related to the contest for the construction of generating capacity and the implementation of demand-side management measures (the “Contest Conditions Resolution”) setting forth the following conditions for the construction of generating capacity:

When importing goods from third countries into the European Union (EU), you must adhere to EU and national laws regarding importing, declaring, and applying customs duties (such as import duty, value-added tax, and excise duty on certain products).

In recent months, Slovenia’s real estate market has experienced significant shifts driven by economic, technological, and regulatory factors, with more changes expected.

On June 15, 2024, the long-awaited Act on the Judicial Protection Procedure for Former Holders of Qualified Liabilities of Banks (ZPSVIKOB 1) entered into force in the Republic of Slovenia.