From an uptick in mergers and acquisitions to complex public procurement projects, regulatory changes, and the impact of geopolitical factors on the legal market, Ellex Partner Ilga Gudrenika-Krebs, looks forward to a busier second half of the year than the first.

Croatia seems to be brink of significant legislative changes that could reshape its real estate and financial landscapes, according to Peterka & Partners Zagreb Senior Associate Anja Haramija, who reports on a new real estate tax targeting property owners and regulations aimed at protecting senior citizens.

As the war in Ukraine reshapes the country's economic landscape, the antitrust sector faces significant challenges and transformations, according to Integrites Senior Partner Vyacheslav Korchev, who highlights a growing trend of domestic M&A activity and a push toward aligning with European regulatory standards.

Between new consumer class action laws to anticipated reforms in employment regulations, Dentons Czech Republic Co-Managing Partner Ladislav Smejkal highlights reports on how the evolving legal framework could significantly impact businesses, particularly in sectors where consumer protection is paramount.

Centered around a high-profile public takeover attempt the Austrian market saw this summer, Wolf Theiss Partner Florian Kusznier shares his insights into the country's market landscape, the complexities of recent M&A activities, and the trends shaping Austria’s economic environment.

With a new Minister of Social Affairs aiming to tighten controls on self-employment practices, businesses and legal professionals are left grappling with unclear guidelines and significant risks, according to Fairsquare Partner Erik Schwarcz.

After heightened political tensions preceding June’s elections, Hungary is now implementing a new electronic land registry requiring attorneys to pass an exam, amid ongoing digitalization efforts, according to Nagy es Trocsanyi Partner Orsolya Kovacs.

Reporting on the most interesting recent developments in Bulgaria Gugushev & Partners Law Office Senior Partner Dafinka Stoycheva shares her views on continuing political instability in the country, a major investment dispute, and significant legal and regulatory developments.

Despite the holiday season traditionally being slow, this year has been unusually busy, according to Linklaters National Managing Partner Marcin Schulz, both with notable deals underway and a strong pipeline of anticipated M&A work post-summer.

Turkiye’s economy is showing signs of a resurgence, according to Gen Temizer Partner Bulut Girgin who has observed increased optimism among international investors recently, despite high inflation, and who reports a booming IPO market indicating a positive trend that could lead to a major economic boom.

Recently, there has been a surge in interest in establishing cryptocurrency companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina – spurred by favorable tax conditions – accompanied by increasing investments from the EU and China in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, according to Sajic Law Firm Senior Partner Sanja Djukic.

In the wake of a recently concluded election cycle in North Macedonia, businesses and investors are closely monitoring the new government's policy directions, according to Papazoski and Mishev Law Firm's Attorney at Law Ivan Mishev.

In Austria, economic challenges confronting businesses keep lawyers busy, according to Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner Partner Florian Kranebitter. Financial difficulties, compounded by post-COVID-19 financial strains and challenges in the supply chain are at the top of the agenda alongside a drive to nurture startups and an increasing emphasis on sustainability.

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.

The Slovenian justice system has been abuzz in recent months with talks of digitalization, according to Senica & Partners Partner Maja Subic, who also reports on the ongoing administrative strike in the country. Despite the latter and other grounds for initial concern, the year is shaping up well for the Slovenian market.

The Romanian legal landscape is buzzing with changes in the life sciences sectors. With the presence of global pharmaceutical companies and a push for innovative therapies, the country is solidifying its position as a key market, while advancing toward economic stability, according to Musat & Asociatii Deputy Managing Partner Dan Minoiu.

While energy is still going strong in the Serbian market, others such as biotechnology and blockchain are certainly worth keeping an eye on, according to SOG in cooperation with Kinstellar Managing Partner Milos Velimirovic.

With ESG and AI becoming increasingly important for all businesses, the two are set to impact law firms in Hungary as well while the country looks to tackle immigration reforms and enhance consumer protections, according to Schoenherr Hungary Managing Partner Daniel Gera. Against this background, a noticeable trend of FDI sources tilting East is registered.