With the Whistleblowing Directive implemented into local legislation, whistleblowing has become an essential topic in companies. As national interpretations of the directive on whistleblowing have made it mandatory for organizations to introduce reporting channels and protective measures, businesses must navigate a more stringent and complex legal landscape.

An act of “whistleblowing” is usually defined in different vocabulary within the frameworks of management sciences and law perspective. A whistleblowing act happens when a person within or outside an organization, holding sensitive information regarding illegal, unethical, or abusive activities, or any action creating a risk to harm the organization, decides to speak out, to internal or external authorities. Whistleblowers are essentially the messengers who convey the information they have somehow acquired.

Whistleblowing transcends being a mere procedural checkbox – it is a lifeline for organizational integrity and accountability. It serves as a crucial mechanism for employees, business partners, and third parties to report unethical practices, illegal activities, or violations of company policies within their organizations.

ESG has long been considered a niche concept, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, over time the picture has completely changed and the market has not only mastered the meaning of ESG, but a large number of companies have adapted their business to all or rather most of environmental, social, and governance principles.

mBank Deputy General Counsel Pawel Szczepaniak talks about how the rise of ESG has shaped in-house legal role but also how his organization literally puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to ESG.

Environmental, Social, and Governance are no longer mere buzzwords. ESG has become integral to corporate strategy and operations. Companies are now under increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and the public to adhere to ESG standards. The role of in-house counsel in ESG and the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires a balance of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and proactive risk management.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, DLA Piper Partner and Head of Energy and Procurement in Budapest Gabor Simon shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he’s looking forward to the most.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Marton Eorsi, a Corporate Finance Partner at Addleshaw Goddard’s London office, shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Peter Virag, the Head of Antitrust, Competition, and Trade at Oppenheim, shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to as both a moderator and participant.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Jaslovszky's' Tamas Feher talks about the upcoming event and the panel he'll be moderating.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Pontes' Csaba Polgar talks about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.

With preparations for the 2024 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Schoenherr's Miklos Klenanc talks about the upcoming event and the panel he'll be moderating.

In the Inside Track, General Counsels across CEE share the nuances of their roles, challenges, and strategies for success. With organizations continuously challenged to adapt to new and complex legal frameworks, this time we asked: For the implementation of whistleblowing requirements, do you intend to use internal resources or outsource, and why?

Microsoft Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs Head for Central Europe Gabriela Popescu talks about her career and her passion for navigating complex legal landscapes.

Bogdan Plesuvescu has worked in both Moldova and Romania’s banking sectors, progressing from a legal role at Banca Transilvania to CEO of Viktoriabank to Deputy CEO back at the “mother organization.”

In The Inside Track, General Counsels across CEE share the nuances of their roles, challenges, and strategies for success. In the dynamic landscape of modern businesses, where adaptability and innovation are paramount, this time around we asked GCs: What is the one critical skill that you’re investing time and energy in to develop within your team, and why?

EOS Matrix Bosnia and Herzegovina Executive Director for Legal Affairs Mirza Kahvedzic discusses his career path leading up to his current role, how his legal team operates, and current challenges faced due to slow court proceedings.

Siemens General Counsel for the Czech Republic and Slovakia Richard Bacek talks about his transition from law firms to in-house and ongoing challenges including navigating new legislation, such as cybersecurity regulations.