JPM Partners has successfully represented the Montenegrin Agency for Audiovisual Media Services in an administrative dispute initiated by the Serbia-based Pink Media Group.

The Misdemeanor Court in Podgorica recently imposed a fine of EUR 806,953.09 on the telecommunications company M:tel doo Podgorica (“M:tel”) for the acquisition, by its related Serbian company, of 50% shares in the Slovenian company Arena Sport doo Ljubljana (“Arena Sport”).

The Law on the Waiver of Interest on Outstanding Tax Obligations (“Law”) has been officially adopted and will take effect on 1 January 2025. This Law allows for the waiver of unpaid interest on tax obligations that became due before 31 December 2024.

The new Waste Management Law of Montenegro (“the Law”), which came into force on April 12, 2024, represents a step further towards harmonizing Montenegrin legislation with the acquis communautaire, namely key European Union (“EU”) directives in the area of waste management.

Montenegro’s financial sector is experiencing growth with record-high deposits and increasing trust in the banking system while advancing infrastructure projects and tapping into renewable energy opportunities, according to Keker, Bujkovic & Pejovic Partner Milan Keker.

Recently, the Parliament of Montenegro has amended the labour regulations by adopting two amendments to the Labour Law in August and September 2024, and by adopting the amendments to the Law on Contributions for Mandatory Social Insurance in September 2024.

On 19 September 2024, BDK Advokati celebrated 20 years since its establishment. BDK Advokati Managing Partner Tijana Kojovic and Senior Partner and Head of the Montenegrin office Luka Popovic reflect on this milestone and discuss the journey of the firm, its evolution, achievements, and aspirations for the future.

Montenegro is not a member state of the European Union but rather a candidate country for membership, which status was granted on December 17, 2010.  As such, European Union regulations are not directly applicable in Montenegro, however, many regulations have been harmonized with EU directives as a result of the harmonization process (acquis Communautaire).

Milan Keker, Aleksandra Bujkovic, and Ivan Pejovic have founded Keker, Bujkovic, Pejovic – KBP Legal – in Montenegro.

Harrisons has advised the EBRD on EUR 10 million in financing for Alter Modus.

Komnenic & Partners' real estate practice has been navigating complex challenges, including zoning issues and frequent changes of the government and responsible bodies, while managing several high-profile projects, according to Managing Partner Milos Komnenic, who discusses the ongoing developments in the hospitality and retail sectors, the impact of regulatory uncertainty on investment, and the outlook for Montenegro's real estate market over the next year.

Montenegro lacks specific legal regulations or national strategies for AI, with current AI activities governed by general legal principles from existing laws. Despite the absence of detailed regulations or strong government support, public awareness of AI is relatively high, with 59.1 % of citizens familiar with the technology. Several initiatives are actively promoting the safe development and use of AI, reflecting a growing public interest in influencing future AI regulations.

The Parliament of Montenegro passed the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, which was published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro on August 23rd, 2024. The Law will enter into force on the eighth day from the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.

In August 2024, Montenegro’s government took a significant step towards modernising the country’s gambling industry by adopting the Fiscal Strategy for 2024-2027. This ambitious plan, aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and responsible governance, includes substantial changes to the gambling framework that could reshape the sector’s future.

Summer is traditionally a slower period for many, including the legal sector, but, if used right, the time can pay dividends for law firms.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With managing firm clients being a critical aspect of firms’ operations, we asked: What are the three most important elements when onboarding a new client?

At its session held on June 6^th of this year, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted, as part of a set of seven so-called IBAR laws, a new Lobbying Act regulating the conditions and manner of conducting lobbying activities, rules, and other significant matters related to lobbying.

The Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs recently implemented a Rulebook on Ultimate Beneficial Owner (“UBO”) Registration, effective from 27 July 2024. It introduces significant changes in how legal entities in Montenegro must manage their UBO information as part of the country’s effort to strengthen its fight against money laundering.