The role of the Engineer has evolved through different versions of FIDIC Red Books, in particular FIDIC 1987, FIDIC 1999 and FIDIC 2017. Initially the Engineer was expressly determined as impartial (FIDIC 1987). However, the impartiality clause is excluded from FIDIC 1999 and FIDIC 2017 editions. Not only that the impartiality clause is excluded, the GCC of FIDIC 1999 and FIDIC 2017 editions state that the Engineer acts on behalf of the Employer. The only case in which the Engineer does not act in accordance with Employer’s interests is when deciding upon claims raised by the Contractor and the Employer. 

Sound societies are based on respect for the rule of law. Among other things, this principle means that the powers of government officials must be grounded in law and limited by law. In the case of costs incurred in official control procedures for imported food, for which the Ministry of Health is competent, the regulations provide that the costs are borne by the party for whom the decision rendered in the procedure is unfavourable. The state administration takes the position that the importer always bears the costs, regardless of the fact that laboratory analyses confirm that the imported food complies with the applicable regulations. This position is based on the argument that official control procedures carried out in the public interest are initiated at the request of the party — the importer, a view that is difficult to defend. The saga concerning costs has lasted for years, and all indications suggest that even the new Law on Official Controls will not resolve this issue.

JPM & Partners Senior Partner Jelena Gazivoda and Partner Nikola Djordjevic discuss Energy in Serbia in the year past and the one ahead.

In Serbia, maintaining at least one business bank account is not merely a practical necessity for businesses – it is a legal obligation.

The Draft of the new Labour Law of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBH) introduces far-reaching changes to the labour law framework of this entity. The Draft has a clear reform-oriented ambition, reflected in its alignment with key EU directives and the expanded scope of employee protection.

The introduction of e-invoicing marks a pivotal moment in the digital transformation of the economy in Southeast Europe. In both North Macedonia and Serbia, the transition to electronic invoicing is reshaping the relationship between businesses, the state, and financial institutions. While the initial focus has understandably been on compliance and technical implementation, the broader implications of e-invoicing deserve closer attention, particularly its potential to drive efficiency, legal certainty, and sustainable economic growth.

With the adoption of the Law on Healthcare in August 2025, the legal framework for the implementation of a comprehensive reform of the Montenegrin healthcare system through harmonization with modern standards and the legal acquis of the European Union was set. A further step in this direction is represented by the proposed amendments to this law, which, together with the Law on Data Management and Digital Health, are also in the proposal stage, and are part of a wider process of digital transformation of the healthcare system, while at the same time strengthening the protection of patient data and standardization of healthcare records.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia, acting upon the proposal of the Ministry of Energy, has designated Transportgas Srbija d.o.o. Novi Sad as the transmission system operator responsible for regulating and administering the natural gas market.

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.

In high-stakes discussions, your chair is more than furniture—it's a tactical decision. Understanding the psychology of seating can give you and your client a critical first advantage.

Under Serbian law, acquisition of title to real estate is traditionally based on a valid legal ground (iustus titulus) and registration as the decisive act of acquisition (modus acquirendi). Registration therefore has constitutional relevance, producing erga omnes effects and enabling reliance by third parties.

The Serbian Parliament adopted the new Law on Information Security on October 22, 2025. The adoption of the new Law on Information Security is a step forward in aligning Serbian legislation with the acquis in the field of information security. The new law provides for clearer definitions of terms, introduces new terms, increases the number of ICT systems operators, and imposes stricter obligations on ICT systems operators. ICT system Operators are left 18 months to comply with their ICT systems with the new law. 

The Law on the Exchange of Data, Documents, and Information in the Event of Temporary Incapacity for Work through the software solution “eBolovanje - Poslodavac“ (“e-Sick Leave - Employer”) – (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia,” No. 109/25) is a new law that will enable the digital exchange of data on temporary incapacity for work between employers, medical doctors, and the Republic Health Insurance Fund,  that will enter into effect as of 1 January 2026.

Harmonizing with the increasingly complex EU regulations in the field of energy, the Republic of Serbia adopted a new Law on Gas at the beginning of December, thus taking a step to regulate the matter of gas with a single law.

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.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around, we asked: Would you ever hire a non-lawyer as a CEO/Managing Partner for your firm? Why/why not?

On 03 December 2025, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted two laws harmonizing with the European climate policy and regulations, fulfilling the obligations from the accession negotiations with the European Union and in accordance with the negotiating chapter 27 - Environment, which was opened in 2021. Both laws will come into force on 01 January 2026, a date that is aligned with the start of the implementation of the CBAM in the European Union.

JPM Partners has promoted Janez Voncina and Marko Mrdja to Partners.