These days, Austrian lawyers are primarily focused on the topics of the prevailing economic climate and its future trajectory, the implications of ESG trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession, according to Dorda Managing Partner Martin Brodey.

Despite the challenges, Ukraine’s internal economy remains strong – and there are significant opportunities for those who can navigate the complexities of the current situation – with lawyers busy with litigation and arbitration, sanctions and antitrust, as well as restructuring and privatization matters, according to Arzinger Founding and Managing Partner Timur Bondaryev.

The healthcare industry is undergoing reform and the renewable energy sector is shifting to foreign-investment-friendly auction-based strategies, while the new Civil Code and large investment projects – including healthcare digitalization and infrastructure development – are on the books in Kosovo, according to RPHS Law Partner Visar Ramaj.

Despite a recent M&A slowdown, updates to the capital markets and land rights laws, renewable energy auctions, and business migration heavily impact Serbia's legal and business landscape, according to Doklestic Repic & Gajin Partner Slobodan Doklestic.

The business situation in Slovenia remains solid, although several challenges worsening prospects for the future are present – from the worker shortage to increasing prices and indications of a potential slowdown – while the country works on its green transition and considers reforming its tax, pension, and health systems and employment legislation, according to Kirm Perpar Partner Jan Gorjup.

With a new president and parliament – and a new Bar Association President and Management Body – the elections' results still hold the front page for lawyers in Montenegro, while the country plays to its strengths with energy, tourism, and real estate all thriving, according to Law Office Vujacic Partner Jelena Vujisic.

Croatia’s energy and real estate sectors are well-positioned for growth, while frequently changing legislation and an ongoing strike by judicial clerks complicate the lives of lawyers, according to Divjak, Topic, Bahtijarevic & Krka Senior Partner Mario Krka.

Following the recent administrative elections, Albania is enjoying a period of calm, political stability, and a strengthening currency, with a draft on medical cannabis production and the first issuance of corporate bonds through a public offer at the top of the agenda, according to Tonucci & Partners Partner Enklid Milaj.

Struggling with high inflation, tough questions are being asked of the Austrian M&A market lately, and the government responded by planning a new, more flexible corporate form with reduced capital requirements, according to Graf Patsch Taucher Partner Bernd Taucher.

With a new cryptocurrency regulation in the legislative pipeline, Ukraine's anti-aggression measures are also ramping up, presenting even more uncertainties and challenges for all business sectors in the country and keeping lawyers on their toes, according to Sytnyk & Partners Counsel Artem Sokurov.

Bulgaria is experiencing a wide plethora of legislative changes, from employment law and artificial intelligence all the way to the commercial sector, IT, and ESG, according to Deloitte Legal Country Legal Leader and Senior Managing Associate Zvezdelina Filova.

Several updates vie for the front page in Montenegro, from politics, tax reforms, and the influx of high-skilled professionals to vibrant renewable energy sector activity and a booming M&A market, according to Komnenic & Partners Partner Nemanja Radovic.

Legal AI developments, the impact of whistleblowing legislation, and the potential for a shorter work week keep lawyers talking in Slovakia, while a slowdown in legislative activity has them worried, according to Eversheds Sutherland Partner Annamaria Tothova.

Lawyers are keeping busy with new legislation, dispute resolution, and technology work in Hungary, while transactional work and FDIs show a marked slowdown, according to DLA Piper Hungary Country Managing Partner Andras Posztl.

Lithuania may find itself in economic turmoil, but it is also experiencing strong political unity in the face of the war in Ukraine, according to Motieka & Audzevicius litigation Partner Justinas Jarusevicius.

Legislative updates across the board in Bosnia & Herzegovina – with talks of criminalizing defamation, introducing electronic money, and overhauling the renewable energy framework – keep lawyers talking, according to Nikolina Bajic, Attorney at Law in cooperation with BDK Advokati.

A significant number of landmark energy and infrastructure projects are currently materializing in North Macedonia, with foreign direct investment interest constantly growing as well, according to Veton Qoku, Partner and Attorney-at-Law in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners.

There is much optimism in Moldova, following the country being awarded EU candidate status, the adoption of a comprehensive digitalization package, and the investments in IT and energy driving the economy forward, according to Gladei & Partners Partner Iulian Pasatii.