In Hungary, the new circular waste management system was launched in 2023. A key component of this system is the so-called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, under which producers bear the financial responsibility for waste management throughout the life cycle of their products.

A new chapter is beginning in the renewable energy sector in Hungary: the utilization of geothermal energy is once again subject to state concession in certain areas. Amendments to the Mining Act in August 2025 and the connecting SZTFH (Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities) regulations reintroduced the concession system for this field.

Schoenherr has advised Julius Meinl Living on the acquisition of a protected building on Hegedu Utca in Budapest’s 6th District from Longbridge Group. Szecsenyi & Partners advised Longbridge Group.

Facing a “digital tsunami,” VJT & Partners has been busy helping clients navigate the AI Act, NIS2, and other rapidly expanding areas of digital regulation, according to Partner Endre Varady. Cybersecurity and AI use-case development now dominate Hungary’s fast-evolving TMT landscape.

Judit Gulyas-Kovacs has joined Hogan Lovells' associate law firm in Hungary Partos & Noblet as its new Head of the Banking and Finance practice.

Forgo, Damjanovic & Partners has advised the owners of BioCo on the sale to Ceres Pharma. EY Law Vamosi-Nagy advised Ceres Pharma.

Hungarian companies are being hit by a wave of EU tech rules, according to BLB Legal Managing Partner Adam Liber, who stresses how this wave is reshaping the compliance function. 

In the beginning of October 2025, the Hungarian Government launched a public consultation on a legislative package that would simplify the installation of wind turbines in 17 districts across the country. The proposal aims to restart wind energy investments after more than seven years of stagnation caused by restrictive permitting rules and complex land-use regulations.

More and more often comes to the news that submarine cables are being constructed, became damaged or sabotaged. With current technology submarine cables are the only way to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the globe, which is demonstrated by the fact that approx. 99 percent of international data traffic, out of which a great bulk is related to internet usage, relies on submarine cables. Interestingly, Hungary, a landlocked country, recently has also become involved in the building of a submarine cable through its flagship telco operator 4iG, which plans to build a submarine cable together with Telecom Egypt from Albania to Egypt. Hence, it makes sense to consider some relevant legal issues that submarine cables and their operators face in case of outages due to unexpected cable cuts.

The Hungarian Government introduced the first of two planned tax packages on 2 October 2025. A second package, aimed at tax cuts, is expected to follow in November.

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.

AI is gradually becoming part of everyday HR practice in Hungary. Tools already support recruitment, onboarding, and talent and performance management. More advanced systems – like AI-powered HR assistants and workforce planning tools – can also be expected.

Schoenherr, working with Linklaters, has advised Holcim Group on its EUR 1.85 billion acquisition of Xella.

Dentons has advised Globe Trade Centre on the issuance of EUR 455 million 6.50% senior secured notes due 2030 and the concurrent tender offer for EUR 500 million 2.25% guaranteed green notes due 2026 issued by subsidiary GTC Aurora Luxembourg. Linklaters reportedly advised sole bookrunner J.P. Morgan.

The Government submitted a draft proposal for public consultation, modifying the conditions of the Home Start program. The draft takes into account both the experiences from the first month of the loan program, which has been available for applications for the past month, as well as the feedback received.

Oppenheim has advised Bayer Property on the leasing of retail premises at the Zenit Corso shopping center.

Over the past fifteen years, HUPX has become one of the most recognized and liquid organized electricity markets in the Central and Eastern European region. This success is not due to a single factor, but rather to a consciously developed strategic path, in which the regulatory environment, technological decisions, and international openness have all played a role. But how can one keep pace with industry developments while fully meeting the needs of market participants?

In August 2025, an amendment to Hungary’s national construction code, the Basic Rules for Settlement Planning and Construction Requirements (in Hungarian: Településrendezési és Építési Követelmények Alapszabályzata or „TÉKA”) entered into force, easing long-standing restrictions on front yard development.