On April 20, 2023, the European Commission ("Commission") adopted a merger simplification package ("Package") aimed at simplifying the Commission's review of concentrations under the EU Merger Regulation. The core of the Package is the expansion of the categories of cases which can be treated under the Commission's simplified procedure. In addition, the Package aims to streamline the review of simplified and non-simplified cases by introducing new notification forms.

Last week, the Czech Competition Authority ("CCA") blocked an acquisition of part of První novinová společnost a.s. ("PNS") by Česká pošta, s.p. ("Czech Post"). While it is impossible to foresee the exact future of merger control enforcement in the Czech Republic, what is clear is that the CCA with this decision, whether intentionally or not, has sent a message to the market that it is ready to take the hardest line on a merger if it raises competition concerns. We summarize main details of the case and additional thoughts on its impact below.

From 1 July 2023, the interest income of natural persons will also be subject to a 13% social contribution tax. This means that - inter alia - interest on deposit accounts, together with personal income tax, will be subject to a total of 28% tax rate.

The Government of the Slovak Republic has introduced a draft law on the conversions of companies and cooperatives (the Draft Law) that implements EU Directive 2019/2121, amending Directive 2017/1132 with regard to cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions (the Directive).

With effect from 16 May 2023, Ukrainian borrowers are allowed to make payments from Ukraine abroad to repay and service certain
cross-border loans from foreign lenders. This applies to the loans that are:

Summary of new Czech whistleblowing legislation 

The Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia published the public call for auctions for awarding of market premiums (in the form of CfD) for wind and solar projects earlier today (Wednesday, 14 June 2023).

Securing e-evidence and establishing efficient procedures is key.

The EU is taking another legislative step in the fight against climate change. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to become a complement to emissions trading and later replace it entirely, according to a new regulation.

A recently published government bill plans to modify the Hungarian personal income tax law by abolishing significant tax advantages associated with Hungarian trusts in a short period of time.

Sustainability is crucial for ensuring the long-term wellbeing of the planet and future generations. It encompasses responsible practices that preserve natural resources, mitigate climate change, and promote social and economic balance, ultimately creating a harmonious and sustainable world for all.

In the latest installment of our series on the risks presented by artificial intelligence (AI), we delve into the risk management framework released by the esteemed American National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The year 2021 was the most successful ever for the Serbian startup ecosystem, with local startups attracting over €120 million in investments and the Serbian tech sector exceeding $1.7 billion in export revenue in 2021. The Government’s ‘’Strategy for the Startup Ecosystem Development of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2021 to 2025’’ aims to accelerate the development of the startup ecosystem and encourage innovation even more. As one of the main instruments of doing so, RS has introduced good-old tax reliefs and incentives.

Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on Foreign Subsidies (the "FSR") aims to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies in the single market. In this part of our FSR Insight Series, we explain the fundamental notion of what constitutes a "foreign subsidy" within the meaning of the FSR. You will find a basic definition in Article 3 FSR, with some further considerations in recitals 11 to 16 of the Regulation.

A couple of legislative changes that affect working parents, foreign employees and posted employees recently came into effect in Slovenia.

The Legal Monitoring Report deals with amendments to the Law on Joint Stock Companies and the Compulsory Licensing Mechanism, ratification of the Agreement on the Transportation of Goods, and approval of Legal Framework on Cuber Security, the FISCALIS Agreement and Ecolabel Regulations.

The Macedonian real estate market reached its greatest growth and development in the last ten years. As a result of the increased investments in the real estate market, the legislation that regulates the respective matter is constantly changing to meet the amended conditions resulting from the growth, so we can see simplified procedures for obtaining building permits and simplified procedures for the transfer of ownership rights.

The real estate market in Greece has risen the most in the last years, creating attractive incentives for institutional investors, who are constantly seeking optimal investment structures to implement their large-scale real estate projects. A highly popular investment vehicle among seasoned real estate players has been the Real Estate Investment Company (REIC), which promises investors financial benefits and a more stable and favorable tax regime.