While economic indicators look solid for Bulgaria and there is considerable progress made in terms of its energy mix becoming more reliant on renewable energy, according to Kinstellar Partner Antonia Mavrova, the country faces ongoing challenges both in terms of keeping pace with decarbonization targets due to populist pushback and in terms of moving several projects past the finish line without a stable government.

Popov, Arnaudov and Partners has opened a representative office in Plovdiv with Partner Sibina Eftenova at the helm.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised the American University in Bulgaria on a campus development project aimed at "improving the student experience."

Boyanov & Co has advised Bulgarian pharma company Sopharma on its acquisition of a pharmaceutical product portfolio consisting of both CHC and prescription products.

The amendments to the Bulgarian Public Health Act (PHA), introduced on 8 October 2024, are aimed at modernising the healthcare system, enhancing data management and improving patient care. They prioritise the transition to electronic health records (EHR), regulate telemedicine, and introduce a digital scheduling system for medical appointments. This article provides a high-level overview of the amendments.

Gugushev & Partners has promoted Antoniya Markova and Kostadinka Deleva to Senior Partners.

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 keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

Mondelez International Senior Counsel Competition Law Compliance Kameliya Naydenova emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and practical expertise when working with external legal counsel.

Wolf Theiss has promoted former Counsels Andreea Zvac, Oleg Temnikov, Stefan Horn, and Alexander Zollner to Partner.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov, working with Linklaters, has advised BNP Paribas, Citigroup, ING, and UniCredit as the joint lead managers on the September 2024 triple-tranche sovereign bond issue by the Republic of Bulgaria under its EUR 20 billion global medium term note program. Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners, member of Eversheds Sutherland, and Clifford Chance advised the Republic of Bulgaria.

CMS has advised the Czech Skoda Group on winning an order from Bulgaria's Ministry of Transportation for 20 four-car electric trains, alongside an option for an additional five units.

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).

Kinstellar has advised Peter Mitev and Big Orange Foundation on the joint venture with Raycho Raychev and Endurosat for the acquisition of a 17,000-square-meter office building in Sofia from Alpha Bank. CMS advised Alpha Bank on the sale of its former headquarters. Yonev Valkov Nenov reportedly advised Raycho Raychev and Endurosat.

CMS has advised Greenvolt Next Holding on its acquisition of Greenvolt Next Bulgaria JSCo from Greystone Bulgaria. Kambourov and Partners advised the seller.

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”).

Kinstellar has advised the Mitiska European Real Estate Partners 3 on its entry in Bulgaria via a joint venture with Park Lane Developments. CMS advised Park Lane Developments.

CMS has successfully represented MET’s subsidiary MET Suvorovo Wind Park in its claim against the Republic of Bulgaria, represented by the Minister of Finance, for the return of unconstitutional wind taxes imposed by the Republic of Bulgaria back in 2014.

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 keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.