The new Decree on Conditions for the Delivery and Supply of Electrical Energy in Serbia enters into force today, 13 October 2023. Long-awaited regulation sends the signal that the connection procedure for new projects that has been basically on hold for more than two and a half years will be deblocked soon.

Albania is taking significant steps towards ending its five-year prohibition on sports betting, with a draft law recently passing for consideration in the Albanian Parliament. The initial Gambling Law of 2015 defined permissible games of chance, regulated industry conditions, and outlined oversight responsibilities. However, since 2018, Albania has strictly banned gambling activities, except for those within state-sanctioned casinos.

BDK Advokati has advised sustainable infrastructure fund Alcazar Energy on its acquisition of the 118-megawatt Bijela wind farm project in Montenegro. Karanovic & Partners advised project developers Simes Inzenjering and Sistem MNE on the sale.

Zivkovic Samardzic has advised the shareholders of HDL Design House on their sale of the company to Capgemini Consulting Oesterreich. Amoiridis reportedly advised HDL Design House as well. Karanovic & Partners and Moussas & Partners reportedly advised Capgemini.

Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has advised the shareholders of Maxbet on the sale of a 51% stake in the company to Flutter Entertainment for a cash consideration of EUR 141 million. Karanovic & Partners, working with Arthur Cox, advised Flutter Entertainment.

Trade secrets are an invaluable asset for many businesses, often encompassing years of research, innovation, and strategic development. Protecting them is paramount, and the legal landscape surrounding this protection is ever-evolving. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently published the report “Trade Secrets Litigation Trends in the EU” (June 2023), which provides fresh insights into the state of trade secrets litigation within the European Union.

Open call for granting non-refundable cash incentives and approval of loans with the aim of incentivizing the development of women’s entrepreneurship was published on 28 August as part of Program for incentivising the development of entrepreneurship through financial assistance for women’s entrepreneurship (Program).

The Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted amendments and supplements to the Excise Law (Law) on 6 September 2023.

In a critical move to face the rapidly evolving technological novelties and their immanent implications on the protection of personal data and the business environment in general, the Serbian Government adopted the Personal Data Protection Strategy 2023 – 2030 (the “Strategy”) late this August.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As key steps, requirements, and timeline for becoming a Partner may vary from firm to firm, this time we asked: Does your firm have a formal Partnership Track and if yes, what does it involve?

JPM & Partners has advised Slovenia's Big Bang on its acquisition of Serbian online retailer BC Group. The Andric Law Office reportedly advised the sellers.

On 26 July 2023, the Serbian National Assembly adopted amendments to the Law on financial support for families with children.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the boundaries of law are constantly being tested. With the most recent developments in generative AI (artificial intelligence – language and diffusion models), the boundaries of IP law are being tested to their absolute limits. A recent ruling by the United States District Court has brought to light a significant issue that could have implications everywhere in the world, across the spectrum of creative and knowledge industries.

The Serbian National Assembly adopted amendments to two key laws regulating the immigration status of foreigners in the Republic of Serbia – the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Employment of Foreigners.

In May 2023 the Government of the Republic of Serbia submitted the official Proposal of the Law on Amendments of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia (the Proposal), which is currently in the process of deliberation within the National Assembly.

Schoenherr, working with Sullivan & Cromwell, has advised the Emirates Telecommunications Group Company – operating as E& – on its acquisition of a 50%-plus-one-share stake in PPF Telecom Group's assets in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. White & Case and Karanovic & Partners advised the PPF Group on the up to EUR 2.5 billion sale and the setup of a joint venture with E&.

Karanovic & Partners has advised DS Smith on its acquisition of Serbian offset cardboard packaging and blister packaging company Bosis.

The Serbian parliament has adopted new amendments to the Law on Planning and Construction (“Construction Law”), introducing a series of novelties expected to significantly impact the construction industry, urban planning, and energy efficiency.