In recent years, public concern about the roles of organizations in environmental issues has significantly increased. Governments, public institutions, and non-profits now demand that companies adopt environmentally friendly practices. Consumers are seeking “green” products and investors prefer companies that prioritize environmental care. This trend has led companies to adopt greenwashing strategies in marketing to attract eco-conscious consumers.

North Macedonia, as a European Union country candidate, progresses toward integrating with the European Union’s regulatory and economic systems. As these frameworks grow more complicated, the country is tasked with continuously aligning its local industry with European and global standards.

The topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has lately become an actual and increasingly important aspect in Moldovan law. Until recently scarcely regulated, the activity involving GMOs was subject to significant legal loopholes. This led to the inherent risk pertaining to GMOs being difficult to control, especially with agriculture playing an important role in the national economy.

On May 28, 2024, the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (Agency) took a significant step in regulating the healthcare industry by unveiling the draft Regulation on Promotional Activities of Medicinal Products for Human Use and Foods for Special Medical Purposes (Draft). This comprehensive Draft aims to address various aspects of promotional activities, ensuring that they are conducted in a manner that upholds scientific integrity and prioritizes patient safety.

It is unavoidable that the increasing population, traffic, industrialization, used wastes, etc. pollute nature and the environment. We, as human beings, should reduce environmental pollution for future generations. This is where alternative energy production comes into play.

The Data protection is an increasingly important issue in today’s digital world. The rapid development of information technologies has made it easier for state institutions and private sector organizations to access thousands of personal data daily. This situation has increased the processing and transfer of personal data and has led to the necessity of protection.

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.

With a focus on keeping as much of the legal work in-house, Net-Connect Group Head of Regulatory Affairs Radu Culic discusses best practices for managing in-house legal budgets.

Photon Energy Group’s Deputy Group Legal Counsel Florina Mariana Homeghiu discusses her approach to managing legal budgets, including trends in costs and effective cost-cutting strategies.

Heureka Group CEE Head of Legal Gergely Szekely provides insights on his in-house legal team’s budget trends and management, considering the challenges inherent in the dynamic e-commerce sector.

Managing budgets in big companies could be seen at the same time as art and as a challenge. And art should never be under pressure.

In recent years, in-house legal teams have faced growing pressure to manage budgets more effectively while maintaining high standards of service. In this article, I will share best practices for managing legal budgets, and address trends, challenges, and strategies that have shaped the budgeting landscape for in-house legal teams.

M&A transactions involve numerous legal, financial, and operational challenges. As in-house counsel, we are responsible for businesses’ right risk allocation and risk mitigation, while we bear significant responsibility in ensuring the deal progresses smoothly and can be closed successfully. Given this high responsibility, effective collaboration with external counsel is crucial to navigating these high-stakes deals and ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Drawing from my experience, I will share best practices for selecting, collaborating with, and managing external counsel during M&A projects to achieve optimal outcomes and make your life easier in the post-closing and integration stages.

Mondelez International Senior Counsel Competition Law Compliance Kameliya Naydenova emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and practical expertise when working with external legal counsel.

Working with external counsel can be a crucial aspect of managing legal issues, especially for companies that need specialized expertise or extra support for their in-house legal team. To make the most of these collaborations, it’s important to follow some best practices that ensure efficiency, alignment with business goals, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s my straightforward guide to help work effectively with external legal experts.

Revetas Capital General Counsel Joanna Przybyl reveals her strategies for mastering relationships with external counsel, from choosing the right firms to keeping budgets on track.

From staying loyal to specific lawyers irrespective of the brand they work under to focusing on fixed fees, Selvita General Counsel and Executive Management Board Member Dawid Radziszewski shares his best practices in terms of working with external counsel.

From relying on chemistry to counting on reputation being representative, Zito Director of Legal Affairs and General Services Tamara Mohoric Selak talks about how she picks her external “firefighters” and how she nurtures long-term collaborations with them.