Since 1 March 2021, Slovakia had a limited FDI regime applicable only to critical infrastructure. However, right after it was adopted, the government started preparing comprehensive legislation that would apply not only to selected industries but to all foreign investments in general (in line with FDI regimes in other EU Member States). After many drafts and lengthy negotiations, this new regime was finally adopted in late November 2022.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has launched its new shared business services center in Slovakia.

The Slovak Republic has now adopted legislation that focuses on the technological development for autonomous driving and intelligent mobility. On 8 November 2022, the President of the Slovak Republic signed the Act amending certain laws in relation to the development of automated vehicles.

December 2022 – On 1 December 2022, the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (“the Ministry”) published a call for the submission of applications for the provision of a subsidy to cover additional costs due to the increase in gas and electricity prices (“the Call”). The aim of the Call is to compensate qualifying companies and natural persons (entrepreneurs) for excessive energy prices in August and September 2022. In this article, we present an overview of the related key information.

Kocian Solc Balastik and Relevans have advised Seyfor on its acquisition of Commander Services.

Parliamentary problems, governmental grievances, and ebbing economic sectors – aside from the consequences of the current state of global affairs – have been the talk of the town in Slovakia, according to AKMCL Partner Martin Jurecko.

On 4 October 2022, the Slovak parliament adopted an amendment to the Labour Code (the "Amendment") that enters into effect on 1 November 2022. The aim of the Amendment is mainly to implement two EU directives (No. 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the EU and No. 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers) and to respond to certain requirements resulting from application practice. In this article, we present an overview of the most important changes.

Former Aldertree Legal Partners Zoran Draskovic and Peter Hodal have joined Hillbridges as Partners together with their team.

Kinstellar has advised a syndicate of banks led by VUB Banka on their EUR 100 million loan facility for refinancing and investment in Bratislava's Bory Mall. Skubla & Partneri advised Penta Real Estate on receiving the loan.

CMS has advised Marsh on its sale of an 80% stake in Insia to the Unilink Group. Kinstellar advised the buyer.

Kinstellar has advised Powerful Medical on its EUR 6.2 million seed funding round from investors including Arieli Capital, Venture To Future Fund, CB ESPRI Impact One, BPD partners, and several angel investors. Wise3 advised CB ESPRI Impact One.

Dentons has successfully represented Mariano Ruiz and his husband Jakub Sanko, on a pro bono basis, before the Regional Court in Zilina in residential proceedings.

Kocian Solc Balastik has advised the VGP Group on expanding its warehouse space in Slovakia and Hungary.

Drakopoulos has advised the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy on reviewing the transposition process of Directive 2018/2001 (RED II) on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources into the Greek legal framework. Dimitrov Petrov & Co, Kirm Perpar, Wardynski & Partners, and Kinstellar Croatian affiliate Zuric i Partneri advised on the transposition review in Bulgaria, Slovenia, Poland, and Croatia, respectively. CLM Bitai & Partners and Vojcik & Partners also reportedly advised the European Commission.

Majernik & Mihalikova, working with BVK Partners, has advised KME on the financing of its acquisition of Aurubis' flat-rolled products business. Linklaters and Kinstellar reportedly advised the lenders.

With the war in Ukraine raging for more than six months, law firms across the region have reported increased workloads in corporate and M&A, tax, employment, immigration law, and inquiries on the sanctions regimes in relevant jurisdictions, noting that companies from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus are variously looking for a new home. Whether to avoid sanctions or escape the war, those companies consider a variety of factors in determining where to go.

Allen & Overy has advised the UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia on the update of its international mortgage-covered bond program and EUR 500 million issuance of mortgage-covered bonds. White & Case advised the joint lead managers.

Dentons has advised a club of banks led by Tatra Banka and including UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, Slovenska Sporitelna, and Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka on a EUR 160 million ESG-linked syndicated loan to MH Teplarensky Holding. BBH reportedly advised the borrower.