With the European Parliament recently approving a new draft FDI regulation, significant changes are on the horizon across the EU, and Slovakia is no exception. According to Wolf Theiss Partner Bruno Stefanik, the anticipated updates will impact Slovakia’s national legislation, reshape existing FDI procedures, and offer a timely opportunity to address practical challenges identified since the country’s FDI regime took effect in 2023.

Ukraine’s legal market continues to operate under extraordinary pressure, shaped by the ongoing war and its widespread impact on all facets of business and governance, according to DLF Counsel and Head of Banking & Finance and Agriculture Iurii Dynys. Despite the challenges, the demand for core legal services remains high, with growing attention paid to post-war reconstruction planning, emerging industries, and navigating the tumultuous investment climate.

Albania’s start to 2025 has been largely shaped by national elections, which have stalled most developments, according to Hoxha, Memi & Hoxha Partner Dorant Ekmekciu. The focus has been on key judicial appointments and ongoing discussions about the independence of the anti-corruption body.

Moldova’s legal landscape is undergoing a period of gradual yet meaningful transformation, according to Balaban & Partners Managing Partner Natalia Balaban who reports an increased reliance on alternative dispute resolution, strides in digitalization, and a wave of legislative reforms tied to the country’s EU accession ambitions.

With a new president taking office in May and a shifting fiscal landscape, Romania is navigating a period of political and legal recalibration, according to Bancila, Diaconu si Asociatii Partner Adriana Dobre.

Poland’s legal market is in flux, shaped by international activities and sweeping regulatory reforms, according to Fieldfisher Partner Piotr Szelenbaum, with local and global developments fueling momentum across different sectors, from AI and cybersecurity to crypto and capital markets.

Croatia’s transactional and legal landscape is heating up, with a strong pre-summer push across multiple sectors and a growing alignment with international standards, according to Gospic Plazina Stojs Partner Matea Gospic Plazina, who reports that this environment is driving fresh momentum in capital markets, M&A, and the increasingly layered world of family wealth management.

Georgia’s legal and business landscape remains heavily influenced by political turbulence, according to BLC Law Office Managing Partner Ketti Kvartskhava, who reports ongoing instability, controversial legislation, and heightened uncertainty surrounding the country’s EU integration prospects.

Slovenia’s dynamic political environment is keeping the legal market on its toes, with pressing developments in taxation, employment law, cybersecurity, capital markets, and infrastructure all demanding close attention, according to Peterka Partners Senior Associate and Head of Slovenian office Pia Florjancic Pozeg Vancas.

Serbia’s economy remains stable despite slower growth, with signs of renewed M&A activity, ongoing regulatory reforms, and progress in renewables and the capital market, according to Karanovic & Partners Partner Maja Jovancevic Setka.

Lithuania’s government has been active in constantly improving the business environment from a legal and tax perspective during the past several years, according to Triniti Partner Giedre Ciuladiene. With the recent change of the government in 2024, adjustments are expected in investment and tax policies, with potential effects on private equity, venture capital, stock options, and legal work around restructuring and deals.

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.

Greece is booming in 2025, with robust investments across construction, hospitality, and energy sectors, according to Sardelas Petsa Managing Partner Panagiotis Sardelas, who stresses that digital infrastructure and capital markets are also gaining momentum.

Kosovo is in political limbo after the February elections, with stalled government formation affecting key decisions, according to Ardian Rexha, an Attorney at Law associated with Deloitte Kosova. At the same time, energy reforms and price hikes by the regulator are causing strong reactions from businesses and the public.

Cautious optimism defines the current mood in Estonia, as the country navigates modest economic growth alongside persistent geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, according to Ellex Partner Gerli Kivisoo, who reports subdued investor activity, ongoing tax debates, capital market shifts, and a growing M&A pipeline that suggests momentum may be gradually returning.

Latvia is seeing a rise in disputes and public infrastructure work, according to Klauberg Baltics Managing Partner Theis Klauberg. At the same time, corporate activity is slowing, as regional and global uncertainties reshape priorities for both firms and clients.

Ukraine is seeing a wave of developments across key sectors, from natural resources and energy to M&A and outbound investments, according to Imagine Lawyers Partner Galyna Zagorodniuk. With the recent ratification of the so-called “Mineral Treaty” with the United States, renewed privatization efforts, and a shift toward EU-aligned regulation, the country is preparing for significant economic and legal activity.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing a notable shift in its investment climate, marked by a rise in foreign direct investment and a more dynamic economic landscape, according to Maric & Co Managing Partner Nebojsa Maric. While the country’s complex political system and heavy regulatory environment have historically made investors cautious, the interest in the areas of manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure is growing.