The Hungarian Code of Advertising Ethics (hereinafter referred as: the “Code”) has not been revised since 2015, but the achievements of the times and the accelerated flow of information made it necessary to include some specific elements into the Code. Following approval by the advertising industry bodies, the new Code came into force on June 30, 2023. The purpose of this article is to highlight the most important changes to the content, in order of their position in the new Code.

Pontes Budapest has advised BayWa AG on the sale of its Aufwind Schmack Elso Biogaz Szolgaltato subsidiary operating the Szarvas biogas power plant to Hungary's MOL Group.

With the Schrems II judgment, which invalidated the Privacy Shield, the CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union) make it more difficult to comply with the GDPR for companies transferring personal data from the EU to the US. However, the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework (or “Framework”) adopted on 10 July aims to put an end to this situation. But how does the Framework make data transfers between the EU and US easier? In this short article, we explain the basics of the new Framework and answer the above question.

Based on the GDPR, data controllers have several obligations, such as maintaining the records of data processing or in case of joint controllers, entering into an agreement which determines their respective responsibilities for compliance with their data protection related obligations. In a recent case, the Court of Justice of the European Unio (‘CJEU’) needed to decide on the issue whether the non-compliance with these obligations constitutes unlawful processing resulting in the duty to erase the personal data of the data subject.

Vodafone Hungary Head of Regulatory Magdolna Csomor has joined 4iG as Deputy Head of Group Regulatory.

Hengeler Mueller has advised Muhr und Bender on the acquisition of RUAG International Holding’s aerostructures activities in Oberpfaffenhofen and Eger. Baker McKenzie, and reportedly Pestalozzi, advised RUAG International Holding. Reportedly, Lakatos, Koves & Partners and Novalex advised Muhr und Bender as well.

The Court of Justice’s strike on protectionism in favor of ‘strategic companies’ in the Member States.

Smart grids are rapidly becoming the backbone of modern electricity networks. The integration of digital communication and control technologies enables smart grids to optimize electricity generation, distribution, and consumption. However, the increased use of digital technologies and the massive amounts of data generated also raises serious concerns about data security. This article will explore the data security concerns around smart grids.

On 13 June 2023, the Hungarian Parliament adopted a new law regulating the employment of foreign workers. The law introduces the concept of guest workers (third-country nationals from countries outside the EEA and from non-neighbouring countries) and establishes guidelines for their employment in Hungary.

The EU Directives on Work-life balance and on Transparent and predictable working conditions were introduced into the Hungarian national legislation in January 2023 and brought about significant changes and obligations for employers. What do they mean for businesses? 

Hungary has adopted new laws covering various areas, prioritizing electronic registration processes and the construction industry, while also making significant advancements in the energy field, according to Nagy es Trocsanyi Partner Orsolya Kovacs.

CIG Pannonia Insurance has appointed David Kozma as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Whereas competition law regimes around the globe struggle to find the right enforcement tools in a fast changing world, leading some jurisdictions to introduce revolutionary and highly sophisticated new intervention powers for competition authorities, Hungary is to experiment a simpler approach: an “increase of the hammer’s size”.

Substantial changes have been introduced by Act XXXI of 2023 amending several acts on judicial matters. The new law has been passed in the beginning of June 2023, however most of its provisions enter into force at a later date.

From 1 January 2024, new provisions of the act on general rules on electronic administration and trust services (“E-administration Act”) will enter into force which aim to resolve the legal uncertainty over the interpretation of the written form of private electronic documents.

Former Burai-Kovacs, Perlaki, Stanka, Szikla & Partners Managing Partner Gergely Stanka has joined Dentons in Hungary, along with a team of seven lawyers, as a Partner in the firm's Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and Arbitration practice on July 1, 2023.

The Hungarian Parliament adopted a new act on 13 June 2023 on the employment of third-country nationals. The purpose of the new regulations is to provide a transparent and unified background for the employment of guest workers coming to Hungary from outside the EU. The new act does not affect the employment of EU nationals and citizens of Ukraine and Serbia in Hungary.

Zsolt Farkas has been appointed a Partner in Oppenheim's Dispute Resolution group in Budapest.