Over this winter season, Romania has seen substantial legal changes to various aspects of its wider legal framework – from FDI and competition to consumer protection and taxation – according to Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Partner Alina Radu.

After a few years of political struggle, Bulgaria seems to be on a good path, with interesting legislative updates on the horizon and promising M&A activity levels, spurred primarily by strong activity in the energy and IT sectors, according to KDBM Law Founding Partner Dimitar Kaldamukov.

There are imminent changes in the Czech Republic's legal and economic landscape – including a significant overhaul of the tax system, pending legal updates on class actions and the use of experts in court, and evolving trends in litigation financing and business solvency – all of which directly impact the work of lawyers, according to Weinhold Legal Associate Partner Zbysek Kordac.

Charting Turkiye's choppy seas, Kolcuoglu Demirkan Kocakli Partner Bihter Bozbay Inan dives into the country's strengthening economic ties with the Middle East, its fiscal policies and upcoming local elections, and digital transformations in the banking sector.

Poland’s legal landscape is characterized by the increased mobility of lawyers and legal teams, while its markets are feeling optimistic following the results of the recent elections, according to Schoenherr Poland Managing Partner Pawel Halwa, and everyone is waiting for the new government’s investment and legislative priorities to come into focus.

Comprehensive regulatory changes targeting tobacco products, specifically vapes and electronic cigarettes, as well as the upcoming general election taking place on December 17 hold the front page for lawyers in Serbia, according to Cvjeticanin & Partners Managing Partner Nenad Cvjeticanin.

2023 has been marked by unprecedented challenges and unexpected developments, according to Wolf Theiss Partner Ileana Glodeanu. From major events like the Hidroelectrica IPO to a surge in large-scale transactions and surprising sectoral activities, Glodeanu shares her thoughts on market conditions and emerging trends in Romania.

The new year started early for Montenegro, or at least it feels that way according to PLK Advokati Founding Partner Stefan Lucic, who points to significant recent policy shifts aligning Montenegro more closely with the EU and NATO and to the ambitious economic reforms spearheaded by the country's newly elected prime minister.

An increase in foreign investor activity, energy sector regulation shifts, as well as the incoming challenges brought by the impending ESG Act and NIS2 cybersecurity directive are all keeping lawyers in Hungary quite busy, according to Partner Gergely Szabo of Ban, S. Szabo, Rausch & Partners.

The Fortenova restructuring, legislative updates impacting labor, the gig economy, and immigration, and the fallout of the judicial strike are all high on the agenda in Croatia, according to BDV Legal Partner Marko Bohacek, who – despite the weather outside – maintains a sunny outlook of Croatia's economy.

Moldova's legal and economic landscape is undergoing momentous transformations according to Efrim Rosca Asociatii Partner Oleg Efrim, from updates to the corporate sector and an ongoing digital transformation, to Moldova's path towards EU integration and the challenges and opportunities facing various business sectors amid geopolitical tensions.

This year has seen a relative decrease in investment intensity in Croatia, particularly in the residential sector, amid relatively robust activity in M&A, real estate, and energy and notable court disruptions in the past few months, according to Savoric & Partners Partner Branko Bulat.

The Czech Republic appears to be in the middle of rapid advancements in digital transformation and cybersecurity, according to DLA Piper Partner Tomas Scerba, who sheds light on the significant legislative changes propelling the country to the fore of digital innovation.

From the deceptive quiet of early 2023 to a summer bustling with legal reforms and taxing challenges, Jalsovszky Partner Agnes Bejo sheds light on pivotal developments in Hungary ranging from the EU-mandated whistleblowing system to changes in the trust system, environmental responsibilities, and the shifting investment climate in the country.

From political gridlock to economic shifts, Estonia appears to be experiencing a number of challenges according to Triniti Managing Partner Ergo Blumfeldt, who reports unprecedented parliamentary obstructionism, a budgetary deficit prompting new tax laws, and a legal sector experiencing stagnant growth amid broader economic uncertainties.

Against the backdrop of relentless conflict and uncertainty, Sayenko Kharenko Partner Nazar Chernyavsky offers a rare glimpse into the current state of his war-torn country and its resilient legal sector, shedding light on the challenges and adaptations of the Ukrainian people, the country's legal industry, and the significant strides made in mental health support and economic resilience.

Recent months in North Macedonia have brought notable proposals and draft laws for legislative changes and have seen thriving energy and financial sectors – but also a concerning lack of progress on the rule of law, impacting businesses and investment – according to Law Office Lazarov Managing Partner Dragan Lazarov.

With the aftermath of the devastating floods that hit Slovenia this year still being felt across multiple sectors, the country is also facing legal challenges – from new taxation policies to upheavals in the healthcare system – according to Fatur Menard Partner Andrej Fatur.