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.
The Corner Office: Conference, Anyone?
In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As sunny days recede, the fall conference season is upon us, so we asked: How do you determine which Partner attends which events?
Navigating Uncertainty in Bulgaria: A Buzz Interview with Mitko Karushkov of Karushkov Legal Solutions
Navigating the challenges of Bulgaria’s legal and regulatory environment requires a careful balance, particularly in light of ongoing political instability, according to Karushkov Legal Solutions Founder Mitko Karushkov who takes aim at systemic issues affecting legislative processes, judicial stability, and regulatory reliability, while highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and the potential for growth amidst uncertainty.
Closing: UEG's Acquisition of 250-Megawatt Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV Project Now Closed
On December 6, 2024, Kinstellar announced that UEG's acquisition of the 250-megawatt Simeonovgrad-Polyanovo PV project (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on April 10, 2024) has now closed.
Bulgaria’s Cybersecurity: Where NIS2 and a Government Are Both on Hold
The European Union’s Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) was introduced to enhance cybersecurity across the EU, aiming to protect critical infrastructure and essential services such as energy, transportation, and healthcare. NIS2 sets a high bar for all EU Member States, requiring them to improve their cybersecurity resilience, implement strong risk management practices, and report incidents within strict timelines. Yet, despite these clear guidelines, Bulgaria, like many other EU countries, has been slow to adopt the necessary changes and was unable to meet the deadline for transposing NIS2 (i.e., the 17th of October this year). The delay has left Bulgaria facing several legal and operational challenges, compounded by the absence of a functioning Parliament.
Clifford Chance and Spasov & Bratanov Advise Lenders on PLN 300 Million Financing for Benefit Systems
Clifford Chance and Spasov & Bratanov have advised a consortium of lenders including Santander Bank Polska and the EBRD on a PLN 300 million financing granted by Santander Bank Polska to Benefit Systems. Norton Rose Fulbright reportedly advised Benefit Systems.
The Future of Banking in a Digital World in CEE: A CEE Legal Matters Round Table
On November 14, 2024, banking and finance experts from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Poland sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss digitalization and the impact of tech on the banking sector in CEE.
Key Takeaways of the International Conference “Life-Cycle of Start-Ups: Challenges”
On 7 November 2024, Boyanov & Co. with the support of the European Investment Bank organised the international conference “Life-Cycle Challenges of the Start-Ups”. The event focused on navigating the landscape of the Bulgarian start-up ecosystem through its major challenges in 2025; government programs, grants, and EU funds for financing start-ups in 2025; and broadening horizons for international expansion of the CEE start-ups and venture capital funds. With this conference, Boyanov & Co. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the start-up ecosystem in Bulgaria.
How to Lawfully Navigate Social Media Checks in Recruitment
In today's digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous presence in our personal and professional lives. For employers, these platforms offer a valuable yet complex tool in the hiring process. While the potential to gather additional insights about job candidates is enticing, it also raises significant legal questions regarding privacy and data protection.
Kinstellar Advises Eleven Ventures on Investment in Cloud Office
Kinstellar has advised Eleven Ventures on an investment in Cloud Office.
Cultures Clash in Bulgaria: A Buzz Interview with Ventsislav Tomov of Schoenherr
As Schonherr Head of Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution practices in Bulgaria Ventsislav Tomov explains, Bulgaria’s delicate political situation and unreliable judicial system are creating a challenging environment for both local and international businesses. Amid these uncertainties, internal corporate investigations are on the rise, driven by cultural clashes between Western investors and Bulgarian management as well as growing concerns over compliance and governance.
CMS Advises Skoda Group on Second Order from Bulgaria's Ministry of Transportation for 5 Electric Trains
CMS has advised the Czech Skoda Group on winning a second order from Bulgaria's Ministry of Transportation for five four-car electric trains.
Regulation of Crypto Assets in Bulgaria
The MICA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulation was formally adopted by the European Parliament on 20 April 2023 and approved by the Council of the European Union on 16 May 2023. The adoption of MICA is in response to the growing need for regulation in the rapidly evolving world of crypto-assets and represents an important step towards building a stable and secure financial system in the EU.
The Debrief: November, 2024
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.
CMS Advises Solar Park Trakia on Licensing and Financing of Sinotovo PV Project
CMS has advised Solar Park Trakia on the licensing of the 50-megawatt Sinotovo photovoltaic project by the Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission as well as on its financing from Postbank.
Closing is not Simply Exchanging a Closing Memo and a Closing Binder
Dealmaking is a dance with a uniquely complex, dynamic and unrehearsed choreography. Numerous factors come into play. Ticking all the boxes, satisfying or waiving the conditions precedent (merger clearances, regulatory and third-party approvals, etc.), every step duly documented and catalogued in a closing memo and a closing binder, and ultimately celebrated at a stylish closing dinner.
Closing: E&'s Acquisition of PPF Telecom Bulgarian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Slovakian Assets Now Closed
On October 25, 2024, White & Case has announced that E&'s acquisition of PPF Telecom Bulgarian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Slovakian assets (as reported by CEE Legal Matters on August 9, 2023) has now closed.
Bulgaria's Chase of Shifting Targets: A Buzz Interview with Antonia Mavrova of Kinstellar
While economic indicators look solid for Bulgaria and there is considerable progress made in terms of its energy mix becoming more reliant on renewable energy, according to Kinstellar Partner Antonia Mavrova, the country faces ongoing challenges both in terms of keeping pace with decarbonization targets due to populist pushback and in terms of moving several projects past the finish line without a stable government.