North Macedonia and Serbia Fast-Track Rail Connection
Bridging Borders: North Macedonia and Serbia to Sign Memorandum for Construction of a Fast Railway
On Friday, 17 November, the Minister for transport and communications of North Macedonia, Mr Blagoj Bochvarski, and the Minister for construction, transport and infrastructure of Serbia, Mr Goran Vesić, signed a Memorandum for the Construction of a Fast Railway from Niš to Skopje. The project represents a significant collaborative effort between the two countries, for […]
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18th Business and Regulation Conference
Evolving Business Horizons: Annual Compliance & Business Regulation Conference Key Takeaways
On 14 November 2023, Karanovic & Partners hosted the 18th annual Compliance & Business Regulation Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Belgrade. During this event, we unveiled the 17th edition of our publication, Focus on Competition. Our Managing Partner Darko Jovanović delivered a welcoming speech, reflecting on the conference’s beginnings: “In 2006, we started our conference […]
Read more Tax News: Serbia
Personal Income Tax Incentives Deadline Extended
The Serbian National Assembly has adopted amendments to the Law on Personal Income (PIT Law) and the Law on Mandatory Social Contributions (SSC Law) extending the deadlines for payroll incentives. These amendments concern employers engaging newly employed individuals, allowing such employers to use these incentives until the end of 2024. The initial deadline was set […]
Read more Renewable Energy in Serbia
Alibunar I Wind Farm Started Powering the Serbian Grid
Photo: Rudis In October 2023, the Alibunar I wind farm was connected to the grid and started operations by delivering the first quantities of produced energy to the grid. Alibunar I wind farm consists of three 3 MW wind turbine generators located near Vršac. The wind farm was constructed by Rudis, the leading engineering […]
Read more Highlights from FIC's Latest Session
FIC Insight: Exploring Safety and Health Legislation in Business
On 1 November, the Foreign Investor Council (FIC) hosted an event focusing on “Safety and Health at Work Legislation” as part of its informative series, FIC Insight. Our Senior Counsel, Jelena Ašanin, joined industry experts Marijan Đukić from Yettel and Vera Božić Trefalt, OHS Expert, contributing as speakers. The session delved into critical aspects such […]
Read more Employment Law Panel
Employment Law Redefined: Insights from IBA Annual Conference 2023 Featuring Karanovic & Partners
As part of the IBA Annual Conference in Paris, France, our Partner Milena Jakšić Papac, head of the Employment Practice Group, contributed as a speaker on 1 November. She participated in the panel titled “The employment relationship redefined: change of the foundation of employment laws.” The session revolved around the extensive impact of COVID-19 on […]
Read more Tax News: Serbia
Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China
The Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 17 October 2023. The FTA represents grounds for the creation of the free trade zone among others by facilitating the trade of goods in accordance with GATT 1994. Most importantly, the FTA: envisages national treatment of goods […]
Read more Navigating the IP Landscape
Exploring Intellectual Property: Business Breakfast with SGA
On 24 October, Karanovic & Partners hosted the business breakfast, co-organized with the Serbian Games Association (SGA), dedicated to the trending topic of intellectual property (IP), its usage, and protection. The event commenced with a presentation by our Senior Counsel Jelena Ašanin, who provided the audience with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of IP. […]
Read more Bosnia and Herzegovina: Corporate News
Burger King Franchise Debuts in Sarajevo
Photo: Purple Key Agency The first Burger King restaurant has opened its doors in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our team, led by Senior Associates Amina Đugum Brkanić, Lejla Ademović, and Ferid Kapidžić, played vital roles in introducing this renowned franchise to our region, providing the client with legal advice during the process of market […]
Read more North Macedonia: Infrastructure Projects
Tender Opportunities in North Macedonia
Rail Corridor VIII – Phase II Project, Lender’s Monitoring Advisor The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) seeks a Lender’s Monitoring Advisor (“LMA”) who will monitor the implementation of rail infrastructure projects in North Macedonia. The intention is to ensure timely and within-the-budget implementation of the investments. The estimated EUR 500,000 contract will […]
Read more Serbia: Energy Sector Update
New Rules for the Connection of Power Plants to the System
The new Decree on Conditions for the Delivery and Supply of Electrical Energy in Serbia enters into force today, 13 October 2023. Long-awaited regulation sends the signal that the connection procedure for new projects that has been basically on hold for more than two and a half years will be deblocked soon. The new rules […]
Read more Croatia: Corporate News
Fortenova Refinances Its Existing Bond
Fortenova business group has refinanced its existing bond in the amount of EUR 1.2 billion through a new bridge-type financing. The team of legal counsels to the lenders was led by Hogan Lovells International LLP. Karanović & Partners team advised the lenders on the project. Our colleagues, Partner Igor Angelovski and Senior Associate Ajda Kuhar […]
Read more Balkan Arbitration Event
Highlights from the Balkan Arbitration Conference 2023
The Balkan Arbitration Conference was held in Zagreb this year on 28 and 29 September, attracting numerous international dispute resolution experts. During the event, our Partner Milica Savić spoke in a panel focused on the annual Balkan round-up, engaging in discussions about the latest developments in arbitration across the region. Our colleague, Partner Minu A. […]
Read more Albania: Legal Update
Albanian Draft Law on Gambling
Albania is taking significant steps towards ending its five-year prohibition on sports betting, with a draft law recently passing for consideration in the Albanian Parliament. The initial Gambling Law of 2015 defined permissible games of chance, regulated industry conditions, and outlined oversight responsibilities. However, since 2018, Albania has strictly banned gambling activities, except for those […]
Read more Focus on Energy 6th Edition
Energy Insights 2023: The Newest “Focus on Energy” Publication
Karanović & Partners is pleased to announce that we have published the 6th edition of our Focus on Energy publication. Following the official launch during the meeting of the Energy Law Group in Zagreb on 29 September 2023, this edition is now accessible, inviting discussions with regional and European energy experts on the latest and […]
Read more Montenegro Green Sector Update
Karanović & Partners Advises Sellers in the Acquisition of the 118 MW Wind Farm Project in Montenegro by Alcazar Energy
Karanović & Partners advised Simes Inženjering and Sistem MNE, the original project developers, on the transaction involving divestment of the wind farm project “Bijela”, with a planned installed capacity of 118 MW, to be constructed in Šavnik, Montenegro, to Alcazar Energy, a Luxemburg based investor with strong track record in developing and building renewable energy […]
Read more Merger & Acquisition News in Serbia
Acquisition of MaxBet, the #2 Sports Betting and Gaming Operator in Serbia
Flutter Entertainment plc, the global sports betting, gaming and entertainment provider, announced the acquisition of an initial 51% stake in MaxBet, Serbia’s #2 omni-channel sports betting and gaming operator for a cash consideration of €141m (£123m). The Karanovic & Partners team, led by Senior Partner Miloš Vučković, Partners Ivan Nonković, Senior Associate Sava Drača and […]
Read more IP News
Trade Secrets Litigation in the EU: A Glimpse into the Landscape
Trade secrets are an invaluable asset for many businesses, often encompassing years of research, innovation, and strategic development. Protecting them is paramount, and the legal landscape surrounding this protection is ever-evolving. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently published the report “Trade Secrets Litigation Trends in the EU” (June 2023), which provides fresh insights […]
Read more The Application for the New Generation of k/andidates
Autumn Enrolment for k/andidates Begins!
We are happy to introduce the autumn edition of our k/andidates program and are on the lookout for the next generation of legal trainees to join our practice. Our program is crafted to offer training and developmental prospects to individuals driven by a passion for embarking on a legal career. It is designed by both […]
Read more Serbia: News on Housing Loans Interest Rates
Limitations on Housing Loans Interest Rates
The new Decision on Temporary Measures for the Banks Related to Housing Loans to Natural Persons (the “Decision”) adopted by the National Bank of Serbia (the “NBS”) entered into force on 13 September 2023. The Decision has been adopted as part of the NBS’ efforts to ensure the stability of the financial sector and to […]
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