On April 8, 2025, the lower Romanian chamber of the Parliament approved the legislative proposal no. 606 (Proposal) that aims to raise the threshold pertaining to the initiation of a specific type of lawsuit concerning debt recovery.

Romania continues to experience a significant labor shortage due to widespread emigration and demographic decline, particularly in the construction, trade, and HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) sectors.

Romania is taking a decisive step toward integrating the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) through the triple regulatory framework simultaneously established by the Ministry of Finance through Order No. 85/2024, the Financial Supervisory Authority through Norm No. 4/2024, and the National Bank of Romania through Order No. 1/2024.

Romania’s logistics and transportation sector is entering a new era. With the recent regulatory approval of DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker, the industry is witnessing the most significant consolidation move in over a decade. The deal directly reshapes how logistics providers in Romania position themselves, scale their operations, and recalibrate strategic priorities.

The Romanian energy sector has been a hot topic in recent years due to market developments as well as to the legal framework which continued to adapt to governmental policies and the market’s needs. 2024 was no exception to this trend, with several milestones reached, and 2025 is expected to bring further changes and evolutions on the market.

On April 9, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) published a press release with significant implications for urban planning practice and real estate development in Romania.

Romania is set to implement a significant legal framework aimed at enhancing the accessibility of products and services for all consumers, particularly those with disabilities.

Romania is accelerating its transition to renewable energy, aiming to expand wind and solar power as key components of its energy mix. In 2024, several new regulations were introduced to incentivize private investment and streamline project approvals, fostering a more attractive environment for green energy development.

The Romanian competition landscape has constantly been at the intersection of significant investment activity and intense regulatory enforcement.

North Macedonia has taken a significant step in regulating market competition with the enactment of the Law on the Prohibition of Unfair Trade Practices in the Supply Chain of Agricultural and Food Products (Law).

CMS Partners Horea Popescu, Alexander Rakosi, and Ryszard Manteuffel discuss the ebb and flow of M&A deals in CEE, highlighting that the M&A landscape experienced a significant drop in overall deal values prompting strategic shifts amid ongoing geopolitical and financing challenges.

As we near the conclusion of the first quarter of 2025, it is clear that the Greek corporate landscape and M&A market are undergoing significant changes influenced by a variety of economic, regulatory, and social factors. While the M&A sector experienced steady activity over the past two years, its overall momentum was relatively muted, primarily due to geopolitical tensions, social dynamics, and inflationary pressures. However, a much-anticipated increase in traction appears to be on the horizon, making a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and challenges within the market crucial to effectively navigate and track this evolving environment.

On January 24, 2025, the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, issued four landmark judgments. These are Decisions No 146, 147, 148, and 149/2025 of the Council of State in Plenary Session, published on January 24, 2025, and made available to the public on February 5, 2025. The decisions are expected to significantly impact the country’s real estate market.

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters pose significant risks to financial markets worldwide. In Greece, a country prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and floods, these challenges are particularly pressing. The performance of Greek banks and financial institutions is often negatively impacted by natural disasters. As a result, they are increasingly focusing on integrating natural disaster risk management into their bond loan structures to enhance financial stability and ensure market resilience.

Austria’s financial sector is experiencing significant regulatory shifts. These changes are reshaping the landscape for both domestic and foreign entities operating in the Austrian market.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, including in Austria, with the drone global market to exceed USD 55 billion by 2030, reflecting their global importance. Drones can serve both as recreational gadgets and as professional tools for photographers, farmers, emergency responders, and other professionals. As with any new technology the benefits must be weighed against the risks.

European Commercial Courts are positioning themselves as alternatives to other national courts as they remain closely tied to domestic court systems.

Lawyering in Greece presents both significant opportunities and challenges, shaped by the country’s rich legal heritage, its evolving economic landscape, and its uniquely strategic geographical position.