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.

ACI Partners Managing Partner Igor Odobescu, Nagy es Trocsanyi Founding Partner Peter Nagy, Kinstellar Partner Radovan Grbovic, Law Office Vujacic Partner Sasa Vujacic, and Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii Partner Robert Rosu discuss recent litigation trends across CEE, driven by the impact of economic shifts and regulatory changes in their jurisdictions.

Montenegro is making significant strides towards European Union membership by satisfying interim benchmarks in negotiation chapters 23 and 24, essentially aimed at strengthening the rule of law, according to BDK Partner Luka Popovic who shares a number of updates on important legislative changes in the country.

JPM Partners has successfully represented photographer Stevo Vasiljevic before the Court of Appeals of Montenegro in a case against NGO Radio Skala concerning a violation of copyright rights.

Selih & Partnerji, Polenak, Maric & Co, Kalo & Associates, and BDK Advokati have advised NLB Skladi on its acquisition of Generali Investments in North Macedonia. Papazoski and Mishev, an independent law firm in cooperation with PwC, advised Generali Investments.

On 13 May 2024, the Parliament of Montenegro passed the Draft Law on amendments to the Copyright Law. The entry into force is yet to be announced, but it could be expected after June 2024.

In the last decade, Montenegro has focused on creating a favorable business environment, attracting renowned foreign investors and resulting in significant economic development and growth. The government has been focusing on high-level tourism, transitioning from seasonal to year-round hotels that offer luxurious stays and services.

BDK Advokati has advised Turkish Net Holding subsidiary Net Montenegro on a casino concession agreement with the Government of Montenegro.

On the evening of April 25, 2024, the Deal of the Year Awards Banquet brought together, under the same roof, top-tier lawyers from Central and Eastern Europe's leading law firms in the region in Warsaw.

Contributed by Jovovic, Mugosa & Vukovic.

Slovenia and Croatia adopted the Minimum Tax Act (MTA). The MTA implements Directive (EU) 2022/2523 to ensure a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups and large-scale domestic groups in the EU. The latter is a consequence of the OECD’s global fight against tax base erosion within the scope of Pillar II.

A huge new infrastructure project, a historical first USD-denominated bond issuance, and potentially transformative news on price controls and concessions make for interesting times in Montenegro, according to JPM & Partners Senior Partner Lana Vukmirovic Misic.