The AI Act introduces a comprehensive legal framework for companies dealing with AI systems in the EU. From 2 February 2025, companies subject to the regulation must take steps to ensure AI literacy and ensure that no prohibited AI practices are used. Non-compliance could lead to substantial fines.

Recovering trade debts in North Macedonia can be challenging, especially when maintaining ongoing commercial relationships with local debtors. The recovery process entails a business creditor attempting to collect payment for an unpaid invoice for goods or services provided to a local customer who is legally obligated to pay what they owe.

A new law that will significantly improve the grid connection of renewables was approved by the Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on January 14, 2025.

On 21 January 2025, the Serbian Commission for Protection of Competition submitted draft proposals to the Government for four new regulations concerning the exemption of certain categories of agreements from the prohibition of restrictive agreements.

On December 6, 2024, the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic approved the Act on Digitalisation of the Financial Market (ZDFT), which represents an important step in adapting the Czech legal framework to European regulations in the area of digital financial markets.

The Government of North Macedonia adopted an updated version of the National Classification of Activities, NKD Rev. 2.1 (“New Classification”).

The Bulgarian Parliament has recently adopted an Act to amend and supplement the Bulgarian Commercial Act[1] implementing the requirements of Directive (EU) 2019/2121 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 as regards cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions.

Trademarks are more than just logos and brand names—they are powerful symbols that represent the values, quality, and recognition of a company or product. From the iconic swoosh of Nike to the golden arches of McDonald's, well-known trademarks have become ingrained in our daily lives, shaping our consumer habits and perceptions.

As part of the fall tax package, the Hungarian Government proposed an automatic, inflation-tracking increase of tax on, inter alia, energy products as of 2025. The actual increase from 1 January 2025, however, significantly exceeds the current (and expected) inflation levels. This might concurrently lead to increased inflation again.

In 2024, the financial market in Ukraine has remained resilient and stable even though the Russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine approaches its third anniversary. This has been possible due to the continuing financial support coming from Ukraine’s allies and international donors. Notably, G7 leaders have recently announced a USD 50 billion lending package for Ukraine to be repaid with revenues from Russian frozen assets.

Simplifying access to financing for farmers can increase the productivity and profitability of the industry, allowing producers and processors of agricultural products to invest in the latest technologies and innovative solutions, enhancing efficiency.

The past year has demonstrated that an ongoing conflict is not an obstacle to development and investment. Despite infrastructure being targeted by shelling, Ukraine’s real GDP grew by 4% in the first nine months of 2024, with expectations that this figure will reach 4.3-4.6% in the coming years. To maintain this growth, Ukraine must actively engage private investments to rebuild its damaged infrastructure and assets.

As Ukraine continues to resist the Russian Federation’s invasion, its M&A market in 2024 demonstrates both resilience and adaptability. While the early months of the full-scale war in 2022 likely represented an all-time low for dealmaking, today’s landscape appears far more dynamic. Although reaching and surpassing pre-war levels of activity will take time, the market is showing clear signs of recovery.

Montenegro’s real estate sector is undergoing significant transformations due to recent legislative changes and proposed reforms, particularly in the tourism sector. These novelties will impact investors, developers, and most certainly the entire economy of Montenegro, but it remains debatable if the impact will be positive.

From September 2024, the Montenegrin Parliament passed a series of tax legislative amendments aligned with the country’s Fiscal Strategy for 2024-2027. Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, these reforms aim to increase budget revenues to offset recent reductions in labor taxes and improve the business environment. The changes affect the Corporate Income Tax Law, Personal Income Tax Law, VAT Law, Law on the Write-off of Interest on Outstanding Tax Liabilities, and Excise Law, focusing on modernizing the tax system and stimulating investments primarily in the agricultural sector.

Keeping employees motivated and engaged, and retaining the brightest talent can be an effortful task for businesses. Employers agree that fixed net income and mere compliance with basic employment standards are not sufficient and, thus, promote incentive programs as a recognized instrument to navigate this challenge. While worldwide trends in incentivizing employees are similar, each country has developed a set of its own legislative rules and market practices – and Ukraine is no exception.

The Polish competition authority – Urzad Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentow (UOKiK) – is actively investigating potential collusion in the labor market.

In a constantly changing economy, companies often face the need to adjust their workforce, sometimes resorting to drastic measures such as the collective dismissal process. According to Romanian labor legislation, the process of collective dismissal entails following a rather laborious procedure, aiming to protect both employers and employees in order to prevent abuses and ensure a smoother transition in restructuring situations.