Gecic Law has appointed Jelena Bjelanovic as its new Head of Finance and a member of the firm’s Executive Management Committee.

The European Commission has introduced a new legislative package aimed at simplifying sustainability and investment regulations. In the latest Competitiveness Compass we recently covered, the Commission outlined its strategy to enhance the EU’s economic prosperity and competitiveness. Known as Omnibus I and Omnibus II, these reforms are designed to cut administrative burdens, enhance business competitiveness, and maintain the EU’s commitment to sustainability goals. The key areas affected include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the InvestEU Regulation. By streamlining compliance, the EU hopes to make regulatory obligations more manageable while still upholding environmental and social governance (ESG) objectives.

Gecic Law, working with Clifford Chance, has advised Telekom Srbija on its acquisition of Eon TV International from United Group as part of a deal that also saw United Group sell SBB Belgrade to e& PPF Telecom Group. Kinstellar, working with Sullivan & Cromwell, advised e& PPF Telecom Group. Moravcevic Vojnovic and partners in cooperation with Schoenherr, working with Kirkland & Ellis, advised United Group.

Non-competition (non-compete) clauses came into the spotlight this year as the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decided to impose a broad ban on their use. The underlying motive for this is the perception that the non-compete clauses, in the words of FTC Chair Lina Khan, keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new start-ups that would be created a year once non-competes are banned. However, this rule quickly faced challenges, including a lawsuit from the US Chamber of Commerce, which argued that it was unfounded and that the FTC exceeded its authority.

To bolster Europe’s clean energy transition, the European Commission has recently announced a EUR 4.6 billion investment.  This funding aims to advance net-zero technologies, electric vehicle (EV) battery cell manufacturing, and renewable hydrogen production.  This initiative marks a pivotal step in the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The Serbian Parliament has passed the amendments to the Energy Act, introducing significant reforms to the nation’s energy policy – a landmark change is lifting the long-standing moratorium on nuclear power plant construction, which has been in place since 1989 following the Chernobyl disaster. The updated legislation also includes broader measures aimed at modernizing Serbia’s energy sector.

The European Commission recently launched the consultation phase on two essential draft regulations to strengthen the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation’s operational structure. These include the draft Implementing Regulation for Authorized Declarants and creating a comprehensive CBAM registry. Stakeholders can submit feedback until November 28, 2024. These regulations clarify key aspects of the definitive CBAM implementation, set to begin on January 1, 2026.

King & Spalding has advised the syndicate of joint lead managers on Telekom Srbija Beograd’s USD 900 million senior notes offering. Gecic Law, working with Clifford Chance, advised Telekom Srbija.

Serbia's recent economic growth is driven by foreign direct investment, infrastructure projects, and advancements in several sectors according to Gecic Law Partner Miodrag Jevtic.

CMS, working with Norton Rose Fulbright, has advised UGT Renewables on a partnership agreement with Serbia's state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije and the Ministry of Mining and Energy for the development and construction of new solar power plants and battery storage facilities in Serbia. Akin Gump reportedly advised the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

Gecic Law, working with sole practitioner Branko Radojcic, has successfully represented Telekom Srbija before the Commission for Protection of Competition in North Macedonia.

In a crucial legal victory for the European Commission, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has upheld the Commission’s decision that Apple must repay up to €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland. This ruling, issued in September 2024, reaffirms the Commission’s original 2016 judgment, marking a significant step in the European Union‘s effort to crack down on favorable tax arrangements for multinational corporations. 

Gecic Law has appointed Miodrag Jevtic to Partner.

Serbia’s booming construction sector and ongoing infrastructure projects establish it as a vital economic hub in the region. In 2023, construction works valued at over EUR 5 billion contributed around 5.5% to the national GDP. The country’s strategic location and ambitious infrastructure plans have attracted significant foreign investment. With projects like highways, railways, and energy facilities underway, Serbia is strengthening its position as a critical economic connector in Southeast Europe.

Gecic Law, working with Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner, Von Wobeser y Sierra, and Pedersoli Gattai, has advised Remus Holding on the acquisition of a controlling stake in GLM from Star Capital Sgr. Giliberti Triscornia e Associati reportedly advised Star Capital.

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus. Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power. However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. Given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the legal profession, we asked: What is the one critical skill that you’re investing time and energy in to develop within your team, and why?

Did you know that, according to the Activity Rankings function of the CEELMDirect website, of the 88 law firm partners who have reported working on disputes in CEE over the past 12 months, only nine have reported working on more than one?