New amendments were implemented to the Hungarian Competition Act in 2024 and early 2025. Merger control proceedings increased by almost a third in 2024 compared to the previous year. The enforcement activity of the Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) was also noteworthy, with the Hungarian watchdog imposing more fines for competition infringements than in the previous year, especially in cartel cases. In this article we explore recent legislative changes and enforcement trends, while highlighting what companies can expect for the rest of 2025.
The Debrief: March 2025
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.
Jelena Obradovic Joins Bojanovic & Partners as Partner
Jelena Obradovic has joined Bojanovic & Partners as a Partner and will lead the firm's Competition and Corporate & Commercial departments. Joining alongside Obradovic are Senior Associate Andrea Fluture and Associate Milica Mijatovic.
Dentons Mints New Partners
As part of its latest promotions round, Dentons has elevated Karolina Cotronei, Ali Can Goren, Baris Yuksel, and Kamran Pirani to Partner.
Integrites Represents Elba Basincli Dokum and Eleks Dis Antidumping Investigation
Integrites has represented Elba Basincli Dokum and its trading arm Eleks Dis in the Ukrainian antidumping investigation into imports of radiators for heating originating from Turkiye and the People’s Republic of China.
Michal Hrabovsky Makes Partner at Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland has promoted former Counsel Michal Hrabovsky to Partner.
Intellectual Property – A Permitted Monopoly in the Pharmaceutical Industry
As a driving force behind human progress, Intellectual Property represents property arising from the creative, inventive, or innovative activity of a human being. Such activities are protected by permitted monopolies made possible through Intellectual Property Rights. A particular challenge lies in finding a balance between protecting innovation through Intellectual Property Rights and the public interest—especially in industries where this balance plays a significant role, such as the pharmaceutical industry.