18 Jul 2024

ESG Chat @ Gecić Law – ESG Business Transformation: Investments in renewable energy sources are also secured through financing from so-called “green sources.”

Gecić|Law proudly presents the latest edition of our ESG Chat @ Gecić Law series, we are focusing on the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in big corporations. In this interview with Tijana Koprivica, Director of Sustainable Business at Delta Holding, and Manager of the Delta Foundation we learned about the ways of introducing innovations in business that directly or indirectly impact the environment and sustainability, as well as the company’s own sustainable operations and future strategies that benefit the community. Delta Holding prioritizes ESG principles, integrating them into its business strategy for sustainable development.  The company is […]

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08 Jul 2024

Serbia’s Landmark Free Trade Agreement with China Takes Effect

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Serbia and China, signed in October 2023, came into effect on July 1.  Covering over 20,000 products, the agreement grants Serbian firms preferential access to the expansive Chinese market.  The deal will boost exports, stimulate investment and production capacities, and enhance overall economic activity and competitiveness in Serbia.  The FTA involves reciprocal elimination of tariffs on 90% of tariff lines, with more than 60% taking immediate effect.  Starting this month, exports of products such as fresh apples, blueberries, dried plums, jams, seeds, and beef from Serbia to the Chinese market can proceed without tariffs.  […]

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05 Jul 2024

Gecić Law Successfully Advises Remus in Strategic Acquisition of GLM

Gecić Law is pleased to announce its role as a legal advisor to Remus Holding in the recent acquisition of a controlling stake in GLM, an esteemed Italian manufacturer of automotive components.  The acquisition includes an indirect takeover of GLM RS Zrenjanin, a crucial part of GLM’s global manufacturing capacities.  The transaction marks a significant expansion for Remus, a prominent supplier of exhaust systems for the automotive and motorcycle industries. The Transaction Star Capital Sgr, an Italian asset management company, agreed to sell its majority shares in GLM to Remus. Concurrently, Peppino Barlafante, a founding partner of GLM, sold part […]

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26 Jun 2024

FIFA v. EU Law: A Revolution in Football Regulations?

The recent case before the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) could shake the world of football governance, urging FIFA to change its regulations.  Defining the player-clubs’ relations was never an easy task.  However, the football industry is continuously growing.  FIFA, the sport’s governing body, implemented multiple rules to regulate the status and transfers of professional football players.  However, specific articles of those regulations could contradict the EU principles of Competition Law and Freedom of Movement. Advocate General Maciej Szpunar published his opinion on this case, suggesting that specific articles potentially contradict the EU law.  The case revolves […]

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10 Jun 2024

Is It Time to Reconsider Nuclear Energy in Serbia?

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus.  Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.  As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power.  However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia. Why is nuclear energy banned in Serbia? In 1989, SFR Yugoslavia passed the Nuclear Power Plants Construction Ban Act, which Serbia later inherited.  This act was a response to the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then part of […]

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23 May 2024

The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

The Council of Europe has adopted the world’s first international convention on artificial intelligence (“AI”) titled “Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law” (“Convention”), marking a significant step towards regulating AI technologies.  The Convention is legally binding.  Consequently, it ensures AI systems respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law throughout their lifecycle.  It includes provisions for transparency, accountability, and independent oversight, addressing potential risks and promoting responsible AI innovation. The Convention aims to create a balanced framework that encourages technological advancement while safeguarding fundamental freedoms and democratic values.  […]

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17 May 2024

Serbia Proposes Tax Amendments to Encourage Food Donation and Reduce Waste

A recent initiative has emerged in Serbia, proposing amendments to the Value Added Tax Act with a dual purpose: encouraging food donations and combating food waste.  These proposed changes carry significant implications, not only for the economy but also for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. The Proposal The proposed amendments present a strong possibility to tackle food waste by incentivizing surplus food donations from legal entities involved in food production or sales.  By exempting such donations from Value Added Tax (VAT), the initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers that often deter businesses from contributing excess food to social and […]

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15 May 2024

CBAM: First Informal Expert Group Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the informal Expert Group on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) took place online on April 23, 2024.  Hosted by the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), the meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to guide the implementation of CBAM during its transitional phase and the definitive period, which is set to commence on January 1, 2026.  The expert group comprises representatives from EU Member States, industry associations, NGOs, civil society, observers from third countries and international organizations. The session began with a welcome from DG TAXUD, acknowledging the participants’ commitment to […]

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13 May 2024

Major Win in Premier League BiH Broadcasting Rights Antitrust Case for Arena Channels Group

Gecić Law is pleased to announce yet another legal victory, in collaboration with Marić & Co Law Firm, in a critical antitrust case in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The Competition Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina has fully rejected the claim submitted by Telemach BH d.o.o. (“Telemach”) which alleged that Telekomunikacije Republike Srpske a.d. (“Mtel”), BH Telecom a.d. (“BH Telecom”), and Arena Channels Group d.o.o. (“ACG”) had violated competition law in broadcasting of the Bosnian national football league – the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Premier League BiH”).  On April 26, 2024, the Competition Council ruled that Mtel, ACG, and BH […]

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08 May 2024

Are Architects Receiving the Credit They Are Entitled To?

Introduction Serbia’s real estate sector has become a notable part of the economy, accounting for 5.5% of the GDP.  Moreover, the economic slowdown has not affected the sector significantly.  In fact, new developments are on the rise, continuously changing communities and lifestyles.  Although investors clearly are fueling this expansion, the architects often are not acknowledged sufficiently.  This article focuses on their role in the construction boom, exploring the level of recognition they receive and the protection of their intellectual property rights. Adherence and Integrity of Design for Architects Architects are central to the compliance and design integrity of construction projects.  […]

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