Dentons has advised Globe Trade Centre on the acquisition of a real estate portfolio from the real estate investor Peach Property Group. GTC acquired the portfolio in a consortium along with Luxembourg Finance House. Greenberg Traurig's Germany office reportedly advised Peach Property Group.

Deloitte Legal has advised PortfoLion Capital Partners on their investment in 4FIZJO. Schoenherr advised 4FIZJO.

A recent ruling by Hungary's Curia could signal a wave of lawsuits and substantial overtime compensation claims, potentially impacting millions of workers. According to a March 2023 ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the daily rest period - a minimum break between shifts - is distinct from the weekly rest period and must be provided beforehand.

The longstanding partnership between Hungary and Serbia has taken another step forward with the recent amendment to the double taxation convention. These agreements are crucial for eliminating double taxation on income and assets for both individuals and companies, fostering a more favorable business climate.

On November 7, 2024, M&A experts from Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine participated in a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the FDI screening regimes in their country and key developments in the area on the horizon.

On 10 October 2024, the Ministry of National Economy published a draft Government Decree on the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority and another one on the amendments to the Government Decrees related to the establishment of the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority.

The Hungarian Parliament voted to extend the state of emergency with an additional 180 days. The Hungarian Government declared a state of emergency by a government decree that entered into force on 25 May 2022.

The Ministry of Energy, taking into account regulatory experience as well as public feedback, has adjusted the emission limits for several particularly toxic air pollutants in factories, raising them to stricter levels in line with German standards, which are more stringent than the EU regulations.

Lakatos, Koves and Partners has advised Green Power Investment on the sale of two Hungarian photovoltaic projects with a combined capacity of 7.7 megawatts to an unidentified Austrian investor.

Baker McKenzie and its Turkish affiliate Esin Attorney Partnership advised DFDS on its acquisition of Ekol Transport and the international transport network connecting Turkiye and Europe from Ekol Logistics and individual sellers led by founder Ahmet Musul. Caliskan Okkan Toker reportedly advised the sellers.

Schoenherr has advised Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego on a EUR 40 million financing agreement for the development and long-term investment of a Puro Hotel in Budapest. Szabo, Kelemen & Partners Andersen advised Puro.

Despite 2024 being a relatively slow year in terms of real estate transactions, Act Legal Partners Adam Kaplonyi and Gergely Ban see ample signs to be optimistic about the sector's outlook in Hungary.

Bird & Bird has advised Iron Mountain on its acquisition of Wisetek.

In a bid to enhance legal competitiveness, a new legislative proposal aims to streamline regulations in environmental protection, waste management, consumer rights and workplace safety, boosting the competitiveness of domestic businesses. The proposal is currently under public consultation, but it already highlights several key changes that may be of interest to various sectors.

Schoenherr has advised Seidel Hungaria Ingatlankezelo on its sale of an industrial asset located in Ajka, Hungary to Muszertechnika Holding. Molnar and Bereczky advised Muszertechnika Holding.

From 1 August 2024, the maximum fine that can be imposed by the Hungarian Competition Authority equals 15% of the undertaking’s net turnover. According to the Authority’s statement, its primary objective is not to impose fines, however, the increase in the potential financial penalty is a strong deterrent. In any case, it can be observed that the Authority is becoming more and more stringent concerning fines: while in 2023 it imposed fines totalling HUF 2.2 billion, the total amount of fines imposed this year exceeded HUF 2 billion by August.

A new draft regulation was put to public consultation until 27 September 2024 that could bring significant changes to the operation of district heating systems in Hungary. The aim of the regulation is to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal and biomass in district heating, thus reducing dependence on natural gas and costs.

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.