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.

BDK Advokati has advised Vetti Group on its acquisition of 80% of Belgrade-based animal healthcare institution Vet Planet Clinic from Andrija Dakovic. Mikijelj, Jankovic & Bogdanovic advised the seller.

Montenegro-based Jovovic, Mugosa & Vukovic and Serbia-based Zivkovic Samardzic have joined the South East Europe Legal Group.

Gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry surpassing the combined value of music and film. In Serbia, gaming studios generated over 175 million EUR in 2023, continuing a strong growth trend since 2018. This industry serves as a hub for technological innovation and creativity worldwide, driven by the contributions of various creative minds.

Kinstellar has advised Shamrock Capital on its investment in DE-YAN.

Bojovic Draskovic Popovic & Partners (BD2P) has rebranded to Draskovic Popovic & Partners (D2P) following Marija Bojovic's departure.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As sunny days recede, the fall conference season is upon us, so we asked: How do you determine which Partner attends which events?

As of December 14, 2022, the Tax Administration of the Republic of Serbia started passing temporary tax decisions imposing payment of individual income tax based on agreed remuneration for the copyright and related rights and agreed remuneration for performed work with contributions for mandatory social insurance. These decisions targeted both Serbian and foreign citizens who made a profit abroad and transferred it to bank accounts in the Republic of Serbia during 2017 and 2018. For the first time in the country’s tax practice, tax liability was assessed automatically by passing temporary tax decisions, without conducting tax proceedings.

BIT Law advises PUC Belgrade Metro and Train on a EUR 720 million design and build contract with contractor PowerChina for the civil works of the first phase of Line 1 of the Belgrade Metro, identifying Lot 2 as a distinct section.

MMD Advokati has advised Itelyum on its acquisition of Jakob Becker.

To bolster Europe’s clean energy transition, the European Commission has recently announced a EUR 4.6 billion investment.  This funding aims to advance net-zero technologies, electric vehicle (EV) battery cell manufacturing, and renewable hydrogen production.  This initiative marks a pivotal step in the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

On 6 December 2024, the Law on Amendments to the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and the Law on Amendments to the Law on Public Notaries entered into force. These two laws were adopted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia on 28 November 2024.

The European Commission and the European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) have recently published reports on the first year of implementation of the new EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”). These reports analyze the application of data protection mechanisms in cross-border transfers between the EU and the U.S., as well as ongoing challenges.

NKO Partners has advised Dr Max on its acquisition of the Ivancic i Sin pharmacy chain in Serbia from Bratislav Ivancic and Nada Milovanovic Ivancic. BIT Law advised the sellers.

Serbia’s capital markets are maturing, with bond issuances expected in 2025 and renewed interest in alternative investment funds following reduced thresholds, according to ZSP Advokati Partner Nikola Sugaris.

In light of Elon Musk’s recently expanded lawsuit, which includes antitrust claims and names Microsoft as an additional defendant, OpenAI faces yet another legal challenge. As a global leader in the development of generative artificial intelligence, OpenAI remains committed to its mission: creating AI technology that benefits humanity while actively addressing legal and ethical dilemmas.

The longstanding partnership between Hungary and Serbia has taken another step forward with the recent amendment to the double taxation convention. These agreements are crucial for eliminating double taxation on income and assets for both individuals and companies, fostering a more favorable business climate.

Non-material damage is determined by Serbian law as inflicting on another physical or psychological pain or causing fear. Also, the law prescribes that the court shall, after finding that the circumstances of the case and particularly the intensity of pains and fear, and their duration, provide a corresponding ground thereof – award equitable damages for physical pains suffered, for mental anguish suffered due to reduction of life activities, for becoming disfigured, for offended reputation, honor, freedom or rights of personality, for the death of a close person, as well as for fear suffered.