Lithuania becoming a buyer's market as well as new court decisions open the door for traditionally less used M&A deal structures according to CEE Attorneys Partner Oksana Kostogriz.

Despite limited summer market activity, optimism prevails in Romania, with Schoenherr Partner Narcisa Oprea citing a successful EUR 1.9 billion IPO and increased private sector interest amid quite a few likely regulatory improvements still to come.

In the wake of catastrophic floods, Slovenia has been grappling with several legal and economic challenges as well – from implementing healthcare reform to combating high inflation – according to Minu Anamaria Gvardjancic, a Partner of Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic.

Albania is undergoing transformation, with a burgeoning focus on tourism and renewable energy, according to CMS Managing Partner Mirko Daidone. While the legal frameworks are aligning with EU standards and the IT sector is thriving, affordability is decreasing and the country faces talent drain challenges.

Croatia's economic outlook has improved with the eurozone entry, energy market reforms, and new and exciting equity programs and legislative changes, while judiciary labor strikes have challenged the country's courts, according to Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic Partner Tena Tomek.

With yet another election cycle impacting legislative activity in Serbia, few – but noteworthy – updates warrant attention, according to PR Legal Managing Partner Ivana Ruzicic. Notably, land conversion fees have been eliminated, potentially unlocking vast construction opportunities, while the excise tax framework is being modernized, with a centralized electronic system set to streamline processes.

North Macedonia continues to align its laws with EU directives while introducing a solidarity tax and a food price freeze – both of which raise concerns, according to Debarliev, Dameski & Kelesoska Partner Jasmina Ilieva Jovanovik.

Amendments to the law on gas, the corporate legal framework, as well as proposed amendments to the tax code all indicate the existence of a vibrant legislative landscape in Moldova, according to Dolea & Co Partner Sorin Dolea. To top it all off, Moldova also recently registered a financial market milestone: its first corporate bond transaction.

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.