On 15 August 2024, the Hague District Court issued a decision in the ongoing legal dispute between Gazprom International Limited (hereinafter – “Gazprom”) and Asset Management Company Slavutych-Invest (hereinafter – “Slavutych”).
Navigating Hungary's ESG Reporting: Local Subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations in Focus
As of the 2024 financial year, companies in Hungary are facing new and stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting requirements under Act CVIII of 2023 (ESG Act). While large companies may already be familiar with the relevant EU directives (notably the CSRD and the CSDDD), the Hungarian regulations present unique challenges, especially for local subsidiaries of multinational corporations.
Croatian Government Unveils New Property Tax Initiative
Effective from 1 January 2025, Croatia will introduce a new property tax law. This new law will replace the current vacation home tax and apply to all residential properties, with certain exemptions. Local governments will institute the new law and set tax rates within a specified range by taking into account property characteristics and other factors.
New Termination Ground and Requirements for Internal Labor Regulations (Employee Handbook)
On 27 September 2024, the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Labor Code of Ukraine on Establishing Additional Grounds for Termination of Employment Agreements at the Initiative of the Employer and Certain Other Issues" No. 3768-IX dated 4 June 2024 ("Law") (with certain exceptions) will come into force.
Increase in the Minimum Salary Effective January 1, 2025
The Social and Economic Council of the Republic of Serbia passed the Decision on the amount of the minimum salary for the year 2025. The Decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 74/2024 on September 4, 2024.
Main Provisions of the Hungarian Architecture Act to Enter into Force from October
On 1 October 2024, the most important provisions of the new Hungarian Architecture Act will enter into force, completely transforming the current system of rules governing construction activity in Hungary.
Greece: From Product Liability to AI – Unlocking Life Sciences’ Potential
Greece’s vibrant life sciences sector is supported by a robust regulatory framework and expanding investment opportunities. In the following paragraphs, we will examine key aspects of product liability, intellectual property (IP), artificial intelligence (AI), and investment potential within the Greek life sciences landscape, highlighting the laws and regulations that shape the industry.
Latvia: Further Solutions to Drug Availability and Monitoring Problems
Following extensive discussions between industry stakeholders and state institutions, several crucial solutions have been identified to address the problems of drug availability and monitoring control. The primary aim is to ensure wider and faster access to medicinal products for patients in Latvia.
Czech Republic: Digitization of Healthcare – Telemedicine and Electronic Medical Records
Digitization is affecting many sectors and healthcare is no exception. It is a key tool for speeding up and streamlining processes that can significantly improve the quality and availability of medical care. In the Czech Republic, the overall level of digitization in healthcare is still low.
Estonia: Pharma Disputes – Weak Patents May Cost Originators Heavily in Disputes with Generics
It is not new that originator pharmaceutical companies try to block generic competitors from entering the market. Considering the recent developments in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), originators should tread carefully when defending their patents. Having a strong patent is crucial, and the consequences of failing to vet the strength of a patent could end up costly.
Lithuania: Balancing the Scales – Addressing Disparities Between Public and Private Healthcare
Healthcare is a fundamental component of any society, reflecting its core values and priorities. In Lithuania, the healthcare system is marked by a pronounced division between private and public hospitals. Lithuania’s healthcare services are divided into outpatient (ambulatory) and inpatient (stationary) services.
Hungary: Mid-Year Review of Significant Life Sciences Legal Developments
For the pharmaceutical industry in the Hungarian market, the first half of 2024 involved several legislative changes with significant practical implications. Some of these changes have yet to unfold their full impact, due to the lack of implementing regulations and prerequisite authority actions.
Ukraine: From Challenges to Change – Key Healthcare and Life Sciences Developments
Despite the ongoing full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, the life sciences and healthcare sector in Ukraine is actively evolving to support the well-being of its population.
Poland: Tackling Greenwashing: The Latest EU and Polish Legislative Developments
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: Understanding the Evolving Pharmaceutical Legal Landscape and Proposed Reforms
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.
Moldova: A New Approach to Genetic Modification
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.
Turkiye: New Regulation Draft on Promotional Activities
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.
Renewable Energy in Turkiye
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.