HR sci-fi is unfolding before our eyes: there is no doubt that HR technologies represent one of the fastest-evolving segments of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Today, it’s entirely common for candidates to be interviewed by AI chatbots, payroll processes to be assisted by AI-based software, and predictive analytics powered by AI to be used in workforce planning. While progress cannot be halted, it's essential to pay close attention to legal compliance requirements during this hyperspace-speed transformation—otherwise, poorly executed digitalization could lead to serious headaches.

Schoenherr has advised Bell Food Group on the sale of its Eisberg business units in Poland, Romania, and Hungary to Green Factory.

According to Jalsovszky Partner Tamas Feher, white-collar crime and commercial litigation have been the key growth areas for the firm's Dispute Resolution Practice over the past year, driven by shifts in tax authority behavior, legislative changes, and a more cautious business climate.

New amendments were implemented to the Hungarian Competition Act in 2024 and early 2025. Merger control proceedings increased by almost a third in 2024 compared to the previous year. The enforcement activity of the Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) was also noteworthy, with the Hungarian watchdog imposing more fines for competition infringements than in the previous year, especially in cartel cases. In this article we explore recent legislative changes and enforcement trends, while highlighting what companies can expect for the rest of 2025.

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 Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around, we asked: For 2025, what is the one sector or industry in the country that shows the most promise for growth, and why?

Kinstellar has advised BYD on its acquisition of the IP West office building in Budapest from CA Immo. Cerha Hempel advised CA Immo.

Madirazza & Partners has advised Abris Capital-backed Dental Holding on its acquisition of Sanitaria Dental and SCL Logistika in Croatia, and Sanitaria in Hungary. DLA Piper reportedly advised Dental Holding as well.

The new Real Estate Registration Act that came into effect in January restructured the system for registering properties purchased in installments or subject to conditions, and introduced the so-called buyer's right. However, since January, there has been considerable debate regarding whether the buyer's right can be registered on properties involved in bank financing (and therefore under alienation and encumbrance prohibition). A recently enacted amendment to the law, however, resolves this issue.

Hungary’s real estate sector remains strong despite regulatory changes and delays in digital systems, according to Ban, S. Szabo, Rausch & Partners Partner David Kiss. Industrial projects and planned infrastructure around the nationalized airport may boost the economy, though growth is uncertain amid frozen EU funds.

In Hungary, foreign currency-based loan contracts became popular in 2006, as they were available at significantly lower interest rates than their forint-based counterparts. However, during the 2008 financial crisis in Hungary, debtors who had previously signed a foreign currency loan contract (most typical case was the Swiss franc loan), found themselves in an extremely difficult situation, due to exchange rate fluctuations and the crisis. Many families' repayments have tripled, leading to mass foreclosures.

Schoenherr has advised the Hungarian subsidiary of Bonduelle on its lease agreement with GTC for their new office in Budapest.

CMS has advised PACCOR Hungary on the carve-out and sale of its blow-molding business line in Debrecen to the local management team. Dobrossy and Tarsai reportedly advised the buyers.

As of 2025, the Hungarian Tax Authority (NAV) has established specialized transfer pricing expert departments, indicating an increased focus and scrutiny on transactions between affiliated companies. The three new departments are located in Budapest and in the eastern and western parts of Hungary (one in each region) and have special competence regarding the complex transaction between affiliated parties within Hungary or cross-border alike.

Former Legal, Compliance and Public Affairs Director at eMAG Hungary Peter Sukosd has joined Auchan Retail Hungary as its new Company Secretary.

Big law firms can coast on boring slogans. They’ve got the clout, the infrastructure, and the impressive list of past clients to do the talking. But if you’re a smaller firm and your website sounds like everyone else’s, you are disappearing into the beige background of legal marketing noise.

Wolf Theiss has advised GoldenPeaks Capital on the commissioning of its 64.56-megawatt Bodroghalom solar power plant in Hungary. 

Hungary has taken major strides towards modernising its framework for non-performing loans (NPLs) with the introduction of Act XII of 2025 on servicers of non-performing credit agreements and purchasers of non-performing credit agreements. The new legislation, which will come into force on 16 May 2025, implements the EU's Directive 2021/2167 into Hungarian law, thereby establishing a comprehensive system for the transfer, management and servicing of NPLs. These reforms are poised to transform the Hungarian NPL market, creating new opportunities and responsibilities for both domestic and international investors.