The European Union has initiated the world’s first carbon border tax, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), in a strategic move to tackle the mounting concerns of climate change.

On 03 August 2023, the Government of the Republic of Serbia passed on a new Proposal of the Law on the Management of Companies Owned by the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter referred to as: "Proposal"). 

Amendments to the Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of RS no. 24/2018, 31/2019 and 62/2023) and the Law on Employment of Foreigners (Official Gazette of RS no. 128/2014, 113/2017, 50/2018, 31/2019 and 62/2023) (“the Laws”) were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia no. 62/2023 of July 27, 2023, and entered into force on August 4, 2023.

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.

Since the release of the Barbie movie, there’s been an unmistakable global buzz.  Beyond film, it has driven sales across a spectrum of Barbie merchandise, from costumes and makeup to beverages and even a rentable Barbie dreamhouse.  The success of the Barbie movie, dolls, and brand hinges on Mattel’s very prudent approach to protecting their intellectual property rights.

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.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted several proposed laws related to construction during its session on 26 July 2023.

The new amendments to the law on foreigners and the law on the employment of foreigners, which will apply from 1 February 2024 ("Amendments"), significantly simplify and shorten the procedure for employment of foreign citizens in the Republic of Serbia and contribute to increased efficiency of the procedure, which will allow foreigners to be employed in the Republic of Serbia in a very short period of time.

The new Law on Electronic Communications, published on April 29, 2023, in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia no. 35/23, went into force on May 7, 2023. With the entry into force of the new law, the previous Law on Electronic Communications ceases to be valid (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, nos. 44/2010, 60/2013, 62/2014 and 95/2018) except for certain provisions related to the secrecy of electronic communications, legal interception, and retention of data, as well as other specific provisions that will be valid until the adoption of by-laws prescribed by the new Law on Electronic Communications.

As we previously reported, the pivotal Energy Community Ministerial Meeting held in Tepelenë, Albania, in June signaled potential developments in green energy and decarbonisation in the Western Balkans (WB).

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&.

On April 28, 2023, symbolically on the International Day for Safety and Health at Work, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted the New Law on Safety and Health at Work (“Official Gazette of the RS”, No. 35/2023 – hereinafter: the New Law), which entered into force on May 7, 2023. The New Law brings a large number of novelties in the field of safety and health at work (hereinafter: OSH), and its main goal is the complete alignment of OSH regulation with European standards, and consequently, a significant reduction in the number of injuries at work and occupational diseases of employees.

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

On July 10, 2023, the European Commission (“Commission“) adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”). The decision concludes that the United States (“US”) ensures an adequate level of data protection – comparable to that of the European Union (“EU“).

Nasa AIK Banka Head of Legal Aleksandra Hercl has joined Mindful Finance as Remote Head of Legal and as the Co-founder of Tesla Faktoring.

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.

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.

NKO Partners has advised CTP on its fifth acquisition of land in and around Novi Sad – and its second in the Kac industrial zone – intended for the further development of the company's industrial property.