CMS has advised the Czech Skoda Group on winning a second order from Bulgaria's Ministry of Transportation for five four-car electric trains.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Popov, Arnaudov and Partners has opened a representative office in Plovdiv with Partner Sibina Eftenova at the helm.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised the American University in Bulgaria on a campus development project aimed at "improving the student experience."

Boyanov & Co has advised Bulgarian pharma company Sopharma on its acquisition of a pharmaceutical product portfolio consisting of both CHC and prescription products.

The amendments to the Bulgarian Public Health Act (PHA), introduced on 8 October 2024, are aimed at modernising the healthcare system, enhancing data management and improving patient care. They prioritise the transition to electronic health records (EHR), regulate telemedicine, and introduce a digital scheduling system for medical appointments. This article provides a high-level overview of the amendments.

Gugushev & Partners has promoted Antoniya Markova and Kostadinka Deleva to Senior Partners.

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.

Mondelez International Senior Counsel Competition Law Compliance Kameliya Naydenova emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and practical expertise when working with external legal counsel.

Wolf Theiss has promoted former Counsels Andreea Zvac, Oleg Temnikov, Stefan Horn, and Alexander Zollner to Partner.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov, working with Linklaters, has advised BNP Paribas, Citigroup, ING, and UniCredit as the joint lead managers on the September 2024 triple-tranche sovereign bond issue by the Republic of Bulgaria under its EUR 20 billion global medium term note program. Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners, member of Eversheds Sutherland, and Clifford Chance advised the Republic of Bulgaria.

CMS has advised the Czech Skoda Group on winning an order from Bulgaria's Ministry of Transportation for 20 four-car electric trains, alongside an option for an additional five units.

The Bulgarian energy regulator has proposed changes to the Grid Connection Ordinance No. 6, adopted earlier this year, which aim to provide flexibility in the application process, support for wind projects, and further regulation of battery energy storage systems (BESS).