The legal landscape for businesses in Austria keeps evolving, primarily driven by a new type of company called Flexcap, which offers improved tax treatment for employees and streamlined share transfers within companies, contributing to increased flexibility and opportunities for entrepreneurs, according to Herbst Kinsky Partner Phillip Dubsky.

The primary focus for most in Slovakia right now – and the talk of the town this season – is the upcoming elections. According to Dentons Bratislava Managing Partner Peter Kubina, the elections have led to the markets going into somewhat of a maintenance mode, yet things stand to pick up the pace again as autumn progresses, with litigious activities taking center stage.

ESG legislation changes in Hungary are reshaping corporate practices and legal counsel roles, according to Taylor Wessing Partner Zoltan Novak. "Green claims" and expanded reporting obligations, even beyond finance, demand precise compliance, and lawyers in Hungary now play a pivotal role in navigating this evolving ESG landscape, ushering in a new era of corporate responsibility.

In response to evolving global dynamics, Poland's legal sector is undergoing significant changes, according to NGL Legal Partner Krzysztof Wiater who highlights the region's increased commercial activity, driven by defense and energy projects, as well as a generational shift in business.

Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of a war-torn Ukraine, the legal market in the country finds itself navigating a complex landscape marked by uncertainty, according to Avellum Senior Partner Kostiantyn Likarchuk who talks about Ukraine's quest for investment, the status of its judicial reforms, and the pivotal role of antitrust legislation in this challenging environment.

From the implementation of a bank windfall tax to a surge in crowdfunding and factoring and banks’ newfound appetite for real estate loans, the legal, financial, and regulatory landscape of Lithuania is constantly evolving, according to Adon Legal Partner Marius Matiukas.

The recent establishment and practice of its Commercial Court – along with other legal developments and the government's push on energy – signify a shift towards impartiality, transparency, and investor-friendly policies in Kosovo, according to Sejdiu & Qerkini Managing Partner Korab Sejdiu.

Romania's tax framework changes impacting the IT sector and a potential investment slowdown are balanced out by foreign venture capital funds increasingly participating in funding rounds for Romania-linked companies, signaling cautious optimism according to Ventures-n-Law Co-Founder Tudor Stanciu.

Serbia is experiencing positive economic growth driven by strong foreign direct investments, while developing a growing focus on energy security and the transition to renewable energy sources, according to Gecic Law Partner Hristina Kosec.

Bosnia & Herzegovina has experienced a major government change leading to a focus on aligning with the EU, while a significant human rights ruling challenges the country’s ethnic-based voting system – potentially triggering constitutional reform and reshaping its political landscape – according to ODI Law Partner Mia Civic.

Austria is witnessing a slowdown of its economy and increased reorganization and restructuring activities – impacting various sectors – while legislative changes introduce a new corporate entity and consider remote court hearings, according to Binder Groesswang Managing Partner Andreas Hable.

The rising interest rates in Slovenia are reshaping the banking sector, while the renewables sector is looking at potentially clear skies and the M&A sector is experiencing vibrant SME activity on account of a generational change, according to Sibincic Krizanec Novak Partner Matic Novak.

Moldova's legislative landscape is undergoing a period of significant transformation driven by the government's efforts to align with EU acquis, with key developments including amendments to limited liability company laws, the introduction of contactless business legislation, data protection changes, and comprehensive judicial reforms, according to Stratulat Albulescu Partner Sabina Cerbu.

Critical legislative occurrences in Bosnia & Herzegovina – primarily focusing on the Constitutional Court, the electricity sector, as well as e-money – are the talk of the town, according to Dimitrijevic & Partners Partner Nina Vjestica.

The summer slowdown in North Macedonia has not dented interest in the energy sector, with several renewable energy initiatives on the docket, while a new law on expert findings and data protection fines are making a splash, according to Apostolska Aleksandrovski & Partners Partner Svetlana Trendova.

Bulgaria's economic landscape appears to be evolving rapidly, driven by a proactive government and a series of long-overdue legislative reforms, according to Kinstellar Partner Nina Tsifudina. From changes in the available company forms to alignment with EU regulations and the anticipation of eurozone integration – all these keep the country’s markets buzzing, with movements in the banking and telecommunication sectors leading the charge.

In Austria, ESG issues are at the forefront, while the Viennese Building Code is being updated to promote environmentally friendly measures, according to Weber & Co Partner Daniela Witt-Doerring.

The upcoming parliamentary elections at the end of September are the talk of the town in Slovakia, with a slew of interesting legislative changes – including those covering whistleblowing, corporate restructurings, and construction – coming in before the buzzer, according to Wolf Theiss Managing Partner Katarina Matulnikova.