Slovakia’s new Building Act, effective as of April 2025, is significantly reshaping the construction and permitting landscape, according to Legate Partner Norbert Havrila. The act introduces major reforms designed to streamline and modernize construction procedures, impacting not only real estate development but also telecommunications infrastructure.

Kosovo is accelerating its energy transition, SEPA integration, and corporate transparency, aligning with EU standards to boost investment, competition, and economic stability, according to Nallbani Law Office Managing Partner Delvina Nallbani.

Georgia’s political and judicial challenges are impacting lawyers, particularly with attempts to introduce FARA-style regulations in a way that could restrict their work, according to J&T Consulting Partner Otar Machaidze. Legal work is stagnating and businesses are waiting for stability while the new convention on lawyers offers a rare glimmer of hope.

Bulgaria is currently facing delays in passing key legislation, with the government focused on distributing the state budget through sectors and preparing for Eurozone accession in 2026, according to PPG Lawyers Managing Partner Irena Georgieva. Regulatory changes are expected, and the IT sector remains strong and innovative.

Serbia’s legal market is influenced by ongoing political instability stemming from months-long student protests and the recent resignation of the Prime Minister, according to NKO Partners Junior Partner Branko Jankovic. This situation is expected to slow M&A activity, particularly in real estate and mining, though everyday employment-related legal work is on the rise.

Prioritizing defense, tax reforms, and anticipated tariffs are at the top of the agenda in Slovenia, according to ODI Law Partner Tine Misic, who reports the country is looking to upgrade its railway infrastructure and nuclear power plant in Krsko.

Consumer-focused litigation, especially relating to Swiss loan credit contracts, has driven significant growth in dispute resolution practices in Slovenia since 2022, according to Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic Partner Minu Anamaria Gvardjancic. With the courts adopting a very proactive stance and wide interpretation of the impact of EU case law increasingly asserting consumers’ rights, disputes are expected to continue expanding in the coming months.

Ukraine's infrastructure sector is experiencing heightened activity driven by urgent reconstruction needs and modernization efforts following the impact of the war with Kinstellar Partner Oleg Matiusha expressing cautious optimism over the significant opportunities awaiting investors as recovery efforts accelerate.

CMS Partners Horea Popescu, Alexander Rakosi, and Ryszard Manteuffel discuss the ebb and flow of M&A deals in CEE, highlighting that the M&A landscape experienced a significant drop in overall deal values prompting strategic shifts amid ongoing geopolitical and financing challenges.

Nestle South Eastern Europe Head of Legal & Compliance Natalia Lysa discusses her career, the rewards of working closely with business operations, and the challenges of navigating legal complexities during Ukraine’s war.

Vezuv Director of Legal Affairs Filip Knezevic talks about his career and the challenges of navigating the regulator’s relationship with the gambling sector.

An in-depth look at Igor Lozenko of Sayenko Kharenko covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

On January 16, 2025, competition experts from Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the evolving role of the regulatory authorities in their countries.

On November 14, 2024, banking and finance experts from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Poland sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss digitalization and the impact of tech on the banking sector in CEE.

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 February 29, 2024, energy experts from Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field of oil & gas over the past few years.

On March 26, 2024, TMT/IP, fintech, and emerging technology experts from Hungary, Romania, and Turkiye sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Neag to discuss how Blockchain-related technologies, businesses, and legislation are shaping up in their jurisdictions.

On November 21, 2023, corporate/M&A and private equity experts from Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkiye, and Ukraine sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss the key developments in the field over the past decade.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), approved in 2019, takes effect on June 28, 2025. The Act requires a wide range of products and services – such as consumer electronics, vending machines, websites, and mobile apps – to meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

In October-November 2024, we interviewed Ukrainian general counsels to understand current trends in engaging local counsels and use of legaltech in their day-to-day activity. Interviews were held to demonstrate to in-house lawyers, international law firms, and investors the most effective tools for selecting local counsel.

The EU’s AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legislation on artificial intelligence, imposes the bulk of its due diligence obligations on companies that sell AI systems that are particularly risky for people’s health or fundamental rights.

Let’s be honest – most law firm websites aren’t exactly thrilling. In theory, they should exude expertise, professionalism, and credibility. In reality? Many are riddled with outdated designs and buzzword-filled copy that says a lot without actually saying anything. 

Beyond financial indicators, a law firm's performance also depends on operational and client satisfaction KPIs. These metrics enable firms to optimize time management and enhance service quality, directly impacting client loyalty and the firm's long-term growth.

Initially, the role of Office Managers in law firms was focused on administrative and organizational tasks, such as managing documentation, coordinating meetings, and ensuring the smooth operation of the office.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), approved in 2019, takes effect on June 28, 2025. The Act requires a wide range of products and services – such as consumer electronics, vending machines, websites, and mobile apps – to meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

Slovakia’s new Building Act, effective as of April 2025, is significantly reshaping the construction and permitting landscape, according to Legate Partner Norbert Havrila. The act introduces major reforms designed to streamline and modernize construction procedures, impacting not only real estate development but also telecommunications infrastructure.

Consumer-focused litigation, especially relating to Swiss loan credit contracts, has driven significant growth in dispute resolution practices in Slovenia since 2022, according to Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic Partner Minu Anamaria Gvardjancic. With the courts adopting a very proactive stance and wide interpretation of the impact of EU case law increasingly asserting consumers’ rights, disputes are expected to continue expanding in the coming months.

Ukraine's infrastructure sector is experiencing heightened activity driven by urgent reconstruction needs and modernization efforts following the impact of the war with Kinstellar Partner Oleg Matiusha expressing cautious optimism over the significant opportunities awaiting investors as recovery efforts accelerate.

Kosovo is accelerating its energy transition, SEPA integration, and corporate transparency, aligning with EU standards to boost investment, competition, and economic stability, according to Nallbani Law Office Managing Partner Delvina Nallbani.

Georgia’s political and judicial challenges are impacting lawyers, particularly with attempts to introduce FARA-style regulations in a way that could restrict their work, according to J&T Consulting Partner Otar Machaidze. Legal work is stagnating and businesses are waiting for stability while the new convention on lawyers offers a rare glimmer of hope.