Albania’s post-election agenda is shifting into high gear, with a newly seated parliament pushing EU accession alignment and sector reforms, according to Lalaj & Partners Partner Sabina Lalaj, who says momentum is visible across key areas, from environmental legislation and SEPA integration to construction, real estate, and tourism.

On August 25, 2025, the National Council of Territory and Water (KKTU) approved Decision No. 01, which sets forth the procedures for on-site verification of properties registered with the cadastral designation “orchard” or “olive grove” as part of the review process for development and construction permit applications.

Albania has taken another decisive step toward harmonising its legislation with EU standards by releasing for public consultation a draft law “On Whistleblowing and the Protection of Whistleblowers”. The draft law closely follows Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and is expected to reshape how both public institutions and private entities handle reports of misconduct.

Schoenherr, working with Hogan Lovells, has advised Dutch-based fitness operator Basic-Fit on its acquisition of Clever Fit in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Binder Groesswang, working with Hogan Lovells, has advised International Business Machines Corporation on the acquisition of Txture.

Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, working with its Turkish affiliate Gedik & Eraksoy, BGI Legal, and Boyanov & Co have advised J.P. Morgan as the sole initial purchaser and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation as trustee on Energo-Pro’s EUR 300 million regulation S private placement of 6.45% guaranteed notes, marking the issuer’s debut on the Vienna MTF. White & Case advised Energo Pro.

Contributed by Arzinger

The commercial legal markets of Central & Eastern Europe didn’t appear automatically. They didn’t develop in a vacuum. They were formed, shaped, and led, by lawyers – visionary, hard-working, commercially-minded, and client-focused individuals pulling the development of CEE’s legal markets along behind them as they labored relentlessly for their clients, their careers, their futures. 

On 20 October 2025, in line with the EU's strategy to completely ban imports of Russian gas and oil, the Council of the EU adopted a proposal for a Regulation on phasing out Russian natural gas imports, improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 (the "Regulation").

Bosnia & Herzegovina may be light on new projects as politics continues to eclipse the economy, but one reform is quietly reshaping the legal market, according to Law Office Dizdar Founder Slaven Dizdar, who spotlights the Federation’s new Law on the Legal Profession, its first comprehensive overhaul in two decades.

Following the successful 2025 Hungarian General Counsel Summit in Budapest, on October 21, 2025, CEE Legal Matters brought the Balkan General Counsel Summit to Belgrade, gathering leading in-house counsel and legal professionals from across the region.

Wolf Theiss has advised Rheinmetall on its joint venture with Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi for the development and manufacture of artillery shells and energetic materials in Bulgaria. 

Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, working with its Turkish affiliate Gedik & Eraksoy, BGI Legal, and Boyanov & Co have advised J.P. Morgan as the sole initial purchaser and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation as trustee on Energo-Pro’s EUR 300 million regulation S private placement of 6.45% guaranteed notes, marking the issuer’s debut on the Vienna MTF. White & Case advised Energo Pro.

In a sweeping legislative overhaul, Bulgaria is redefining the framework governing corporate liability for criminal offences. The reform package – encompassing amendments to the Bulgarian Criminal Code, the Bulgarian Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) and most notably the Bulgarian Administrative Violations and Sanctions Act (AVSA) – marks a pivotal shift in the prosecution and sanctioning of corporate misconduct.

Schoenherr, working with Hogan Lovells, has advised Dutch-based fitness operator Basic-Fit on its acquisition of Clever Fit in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

The widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in Croatia’s tech, media, and professional services sectors is raising a simple but crucial question: who owns the outputs created by these tools, and what can users legally do with them?

Schoenherr, working with Linklaters, has advised Holcim Group on its EUR 1.85 billion acquisition of Xella.

Tomas Kafka has joined Dentons' Prague office as a Capital Markets Partner.

The forthcoming amendment to the Czech FDI Screening Act, effective 1 November 2025, may appear technical, but it materially reshapes the scope of mandatory filings through cross-references to two other statutes that themselves are being overhauled: the Act on Critical Infrastructure and the new Cybersecurity Act. These acts expand the range of activities that are considered critical, which is likely to broaden the reach of mandatory screening and alter transaction planning for investors and sellers alike.

CMS has advised PPF Banka on the financing of the Delta Ange battery energy storage system serving Ange Storage Solution AB in Sweden. 

Bernitsas has advised Motor Oil Renewable Energy on the acquisition of a 50-megawatt portfolio of wind farms located on Evia, Greece.

Zepos & Yannopoulos has advised Jumbo on its acquisition of Herald 2 from Eurobank.

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.

In the beginning of October 2025, the Hungarian Government launched a public consultation on a legislative package that would simplify the installation of wind turbines in 17 districts across the country. The proposal aims to restart wind energy investments after more than seven years of stagnation caused by restrictive permitting rules and complex land-use regulations.

More and more often comes to the news that submarine cables are being constructed, became damaged or sabotaged. With current technology submarine cables are the only way to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the globe, which is demonstrated by the fact that approx. 99 percent of international data traffic, out of which a great bulk is related to internet usage, relies on submarine cables. Interestingly, Hungary, a landlocked country, recently has also become involved in the building of a submarine cable through its flagship telco operator 4iG, which plans to build a submarine cable together with Telecom Egypt from Albania to Egypt. Hence, it makes sense to consider some relevant legal issues that submarine cables and their operators face in case of outages due to unexpected cable cuts.

The Hungarian Government introduced the first of two planned tax packages on 2 October 2025. A second package, aimed at tax cuts, is expected to follow in November.

Greenberg Traurig has advised Echo Investment on the EUR 103 million sale of the Libero shopping center in Katowice to Estonian investor Summus Capital. Penteris advised Summus Capital.

Sorainen has advised Sodra Skogsagarna Ekonomisk Forening on the divestment of its Latvian and Estonian forest holding companies covering approximately 153,000 hectares to Ingka Investments via a transaction valued at EUR 720 million. Ellex advised Ingka.

Ellex has advised Specialist VC on the EUR 4 million pre-series A funding round for Yaga. Cobalt advised Yaga.

Kosovo’s regulatory landscape is shifting fast, with a key highlight from Energy Regulatory Office decision pushing certain companies which meet the criteria entering the open power market and sparking legal challenges, according to RPHS Law Head of Energy Blerina Ramaj, who, at the same time, reports of a wind-power public auction framework and a new crypto-licensing regime aligned with EU rules as signals of a broader push toward modernization and EU convergence.

On August 29, 2025, the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (BQK) approved the Regulation on the licensing of crypto-asset service providers (OSHKA) offering crypto-asset exchange services, establishing a clear legal and supervisory framework for this developing sector. The Regulation was adopted pursuant to Law No. 08/L-295 “On Crypto-Assets” and aims to ensure new standards of transparency, professionalism, and consumer protection in the digital assets market.

Law No. 05/L-085 on Electricity (2016) provides small commercial entities with access to the so-called Universal Supply Service – the right to remain in the price-regulated energy market. In contrast, large commercial entities must find their energy suppliers licensed by the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO). In commercial terms, this means a transition of the energy market from a single supplier to dozens (currently up to 20). This transition aims to develop the energy market, increase competition, and improve service quality for consumers.

Cobalt has advised Nordomatic on its acquisition of Echoo Group from ZGI-4 Fund and GK Capital. Ellex advised the sellers.

Sorainen has advised Sodra Skogsagarna Ekonomisk Forening on the divestment of its Latvian and Estonian forest holding companies covering approximately 153,000 hectares to Ingka Investments via a transaction valued at EUR 720 million. Ellex advised Ingka.

Latvia’s defense sector is taking off, drawing fresh investments and reshaping legal work, while renewable energy projects move into full swing and law firms race to keep up with talent and tech changes, according to Cobalt Partner Gatis Flinters.

Ellex has advised RATO Credit Union on obtaining a specialized bank licence from the European Central Bank, with the financial institution to continue operations as RATO Bank from early 2026.

Sorainen has advised Ignitis Group entities Vejas and Windlit on EUR 318 million project financing for the 314-megawatt Kelme wind farm in Lithuania granted by the European Investment Bank, Swedbank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Nordic Investment Bank. Walless advised the lenders.

Ellex has advised TMF Group on its acquisition of Nordgain.

In July 2025, North Macedonia adopted a new Law on Electronic Communications, replacing the 2014 legislation and laying the foundation for a modern digital framework. The new law aligns the national regulatory environment with key European Union instruments, including Directive (EU) 2018/1972 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (CELEX No. 32018L1972) and Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks (CELEX No. 32024R1309). It introduces a series of important reforms aimed at strengthening consumer rights, fostering market competition, and facilitating the rollout of next-generation infrastructure, including 5G networks.

Lazarov has advised PHCANN International on the acquisition and development of a 2.4-megawatt photovoltaic project in North Macedonia.

The Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia has adopted a new Law on Control of Industrial Emissions (“Law”), as an important step towards harmonisation of national legislation with European Union standards in the field of environmental protection.

Moldova’s renewable energy sector has taken a decisive step forward in 2025 with the completion of its first competitive auctions for the designation of Large Eligible Electricity Producers. The process, launched under Government Decision No. 690/2018, demonstrated the growing maturity of the country’s regulatory framework and its alignment with EU-style competitive mechanisms for renewable development.

The Republic of Moldova has positioned itself as a digital frontrunner in the region and an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors.

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.

Harrisons has advised EBRD on two loans to Erste Bank Podgorica, totalling EUR 5 million.

Following the successful 2025 Hungarian General Counsel Summit in Budapest, on October 21, 2025, CEE Legal Matters brought the Balkan General Counsel Summit to Belgrade, gathering leading in-house counsel and legal professionals from across the region.

Karanovic & Partners has advised Lob on its sale to Fortune Entertainment Group in Montenegro. Schoenherr reportedly advised FEG.

Baker McKenzie has advised Mapletree on a logistics lease agreement with Agata covering a total of 128,000 square meters in Piotrkow Trybunalski, central Poland. The firm also advised Mapletree on a deal with Bremer Poland, which will be the general contractor responsible for the design-and-build delivery of the asset.

Greenberg Traurig has advised Echo Investment on the EUR 103 million sale of the Libero shopping center in Katowice to Estonian investor Summus Capital. Penteris advised Summus Capital.

Greenberg Traurig and Clyde & Co have advised GoldenPeaks Capital on a EUR 114 million senior financing package for the construction of two new solar photovoltaic portfolios in Poland. The financing was provided by PKO Bank Polski and Alior Bank. Addleshaw Goddard reportedly advised the lenders.

Corina Corbu has joined Musat & Asociatii as the firm's new Head of the Litigation Department.

RTPR has advised Arobs Transilvania Software on the acquisition of a majority stake in Global Engineering Services & Solutions. Sole Practitioners Codruta Hageanu and Daniel Hageanu reportedly advised the sellers.

Andronic and Partners has advised DCS Plus Travel Technologies founder Cristian Dinca and venture investors Digital East Fund and Credo Ventures on the sale of the company to UK-based Abingdon Software Group. Vernon | David, and reportedly Merali Beedle and Stek, advised Abingdon Software Group.

Contributed by Clifford Chance.

Contributed by Alrud.

The commercial legal markets of Central & Eastern Europe didn’t appear automatically. They didn’t develop in a vacuum. They were formed, shaped, and led, by lawyers – visionary, hard-working, commercially-minded, and client-focused individuals pulling the development of CEE’s legal markets along behind them as they labored relentlessly for their clients, their careers, their futures. 

On 20 October 2025, in line with the EU's strategy to completely ban imports of Russian gas and oil, the Council of the EU adopted a proposal for a Regulation on phasing out Russian natural gas imports, improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 (the "Regulation").

Kinstellar has advised Conexio on the sale of a telecommunications infrastructure asset in Serbia to EXA Infrastructure.

Bondoc si Asociatii has advised the founders of Valoris Center on its full sale to Mplus. Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii advised Mplus.

Cechova & Partners Partner Michaela Jurkova and Ruzicka & Partners Partner and Co-Head of the Banking and Finance practice Jan Hanko discuss Slovakia’s banking sector’s modest but meaningful consolidation over the last five years.

Corwin Head of Legal Services Department Marek Kundrat discusses balancing legal precision with business agility, the realities of cross-border in-house work, and the shifting regulatory landscape in Slovakia’s real estate sector.

Heineken Slovakia Legal & Compliance Director and board member Martina Ondrasova discusses her career, the realities of moving in-house, building a legal team from scratch, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the GC role in Slovakia.

Schoenherr, working with Hogan Lovells, has advised Dutch-based fitness operator Basic-Fit on its acquisition of Clever Fit in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

PFP Law has advised Fluidmaster on the development and opening of a new business and warehouse facility in Prestranek, Slovenia. Sole practitioner Nejc Milozic reportedly advised Publikus and Avatar, the sellers of the land on which the facility was developed.

Ketler & Partners, Member of Karanovic, has advised Mass Group on its acquisition of Leder & Schuh. Herbst Kinsky advised the sellers, MRHG Holding AG and Alchemy. Schindler reportedly advised Mass Group as well. 

Following Budapest and Belgrade, CEE Legal Matters headed to Istanbul on November 4, 2025, for the Turkish General Counsel Summit 2025, gathering leading in-house counsel and legal professionals from across the country.

Paksoy has advised a lender syndicate including the International Finance Corporation, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, FMO, and the Green for Growth Fund on a TRY-equivalent USD 340 million financing for Enerjisa. 

Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, working with its Turkish affiliate Gedik & Eraksoy, BGI Legal, and Boyanov & Co have advised J.P. Morgan as the sole initial purchaser and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation as trustee on Energo-Pro’s EUR 300 million regulation S private placement of 6.45% guaranteed notes, marking the issuer’s debut on the Vienna MTF. White & Case advised Energo Pro.

Tatyana Slipachuk has rejoined Sayenko Kharenko as a Partner.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised EIFO on financing under Denmark’s DKK 1 billion defense guarantee program for Ukraine. 

AMV Law Offices Martinenko, Volkovetskyi & Partners has launched in Ukraine as a boutique dispute resolution law firm following a spin-off from Kinstellar.