18 Mar 2024

Gecić Law Supports JFE Shoji’s Landmark Investment in Serbia

Gecić|Law is delighted to announce its successful role as the legal counsel supporting JFE Shoji Corporation and its Serbian affiliate (“JFE Shoji”) in a significant greenfield investment in Serbia.  This involved the acquisition of a 10-hectare land plot in the prime industrial zone of Indjija.  The investor will construct a cutting-edge production plant in this location, that will serve as headquarters for JFE Shoji’s European operations.  The foundation stone laying ceremony for this ambitious Japanese investment took place on March 18, 2024. With an investment of 50 million euros, this pivotal project marks a major milestone for JFE Shoji in […]

Details
13 Mar 2024

Gecić|Law Supports Strategic EBRD and ENEF II Investment in Vega IT’s Expansion

Gecić|Law is proud to announce its pivotal role in supporting a significant financial transaction between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Enterprise Expansion Fund II (ENEF II) as lenders and Vega IT. The EBRD and ENEF II has committed to a senior secured loan of to support the expansion efforts of Vega IT, a premier Serbian software development company. As the local counsel for the EBRD and ENEF II in this transaction, Gecić|Law provided comprehensive legal advice, ensuring adherence to Serbian regulatory standards. Our team’s involvement spanned the due diligence, preparation, negotiation, and completion of critical finance and […]

Details
12 Mar 2024

Privacy Boundaries: The Ronos Case and Implications for Antitrust Enforcement

Instead of Introduction The Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU“) opened proceedings on Case C-619/23, Ronos, according to a request for a preliminary ruling by the Administrative Court of Sofia District – Bulgaria (“Court”).  The Court requested an interpretation of the scope of powers of the Bulgarian antitrust authority (“CPC”) action in seizing conversations from a private mobile device during dawn raids carried out at premises of undertakings investigated for alleged cartel infringements. This request for a preliminary ruling on how EU law interacts with guarantees of basic human rights established in the Bulgarian Constitution gives the European […]

Details
07 Mar 2024

Ivana Stojanović Raišić Recognized as a 2024 TerraLex Trailblazing Woman

Gecić | Law proudly announces that Ivana Stojanović Raišić, a key member of its legal team, has been honored as a 2024 TerraLex Trailblazing Woman. The prestigious recognition is awarded by TerraLex, an elite global network of independent law firms, as part of the celebrations of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.  The honor celebrates remarkable individuals who have impacted their firms profoundly both professionally and personally and paved the way for future generations of women in the legal profession. Gecić Law is a proud exclusive member of TerraLex for the jurisdictuions of Serbia and Montenegro. Ivana’s selection as […]

Details
06 Mar 2024

Navigating GDPR Compliance: Analysis of Article 30 and the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA)

Introduction In the contemporary legal landscape, data privacy stands as a paramount concern, with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serving as the cornerstone legislation governing the processing of personal data within the European Union (EU) and beyond.  Article 30 of the GDPR imposes a pivotal obligation on data controllers and processors to maintain a meticulous Record of Processing Activities (ROPA).  This article endeavors to elucidate the intricacies surrounding Article 30, offering practical insights and dissecting the evolving practices of Data Privacy Authorities concerning ROPA compliance. Understanding Article 30 of GDPR GDPR Recital 82 states: “In order to demonstrate compliance […]

Details
05 Mar 2024

The Open Balkan Unified Labor Market Launched

Starting today, a significant development in regional cooperation has come to fruition.  The unified labor market of the Open Balkan initiative officially commences.  Citizens of Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia can now benefit from greater labor mobility across these three nations.  The move is part of the effort to herald a new era of economic opportunity and growth in the region. How Will the Unified Labor Market Work? This initiative, spearheaded by the three countries’ leaders, aims to simplify the employment process across borders.  Starting today, if a citizen of Serbia wishes to work in Albania or North Macedonia, they […]

Details
29 Feb 2024

CSDDD Challenges: Navigating Setbacks in EU Legislation

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) has faced escalating challenges since its final draft release on January 20.  Despite weeks of uncertainty and concerns over the proposal’s fate, supporters were buoyed by the European Council’s unexpected decision to schedule a vote for February 28.  However, optimism quickly waned as the vote failed to garner sufficient support.  This cast doubt on the CSDDD’s revival before the March 15 deadline for approval by the European Parliament. The Directive The CSDDD, also called the CS3D, aims to establish a corporate due diligence standard on sustainability issues within the EU.  The […]

Details
21 Feb 2024

Montenegro Unveils its First Draft Renewable Energy Act

Montenegro’s Renewable Energy Leap Montenegro has unveiled the Draft Renewable Energy Act as a significant step towards rapid renewable energy development.  The legislation introduces several innovations, including auctions for premiums and feed-in tariffs, to boost the country’s green energy sector. The Ministry of Mining and Energy has organized a trio of round-table discussions in Podgorica, focusing on the Draft.  This reflects Montenegro’s efforts to meet the requirements of the Energy Community, particularly in implementing the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive. Indeed, the Draft Renewable Energy Act sets an ambitious target of achieving a 50% share of renewable energy by 2030.  This […]

Details
19 Feb 2024

Implications of the Revised Market Definition Notice for Western Balkan Countries

On February 8, 2024, the European Commission (“EC”) unveiled an updated Market Definition Notice (“the Notice”).  The revision plays a crucial role in the EC’s approach to assessing mergers and antitrust cases by delineating the competitive boundaries and assessing the market power of companies. The Notice extends beyond EU Member States, mandating compliance from Western Balkan countries (“WBs“) aligned with the EU competition law acquis.   Namely, all WBs, through the Stabilization and Association Agreements, have committed to enforce the criteria derived from the implementation of competition rules applicable in the EU, in particular from famous Articles 101, 102, 106 and […]

Details
08 Feb 2024

ESG Chat @ Gecić Law – Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of ESG in Business Transformation and Social Responsibility – Sonja Konakov Svirčev, Erste Bank

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 within the banking and finance sector.  In this interview, we delve deep into the insights and perspectives of a distinguished ESG and CSR expert in Serbia, Sonja Konakov Svirčev, Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Erste Bank Serbia.  Our guest expert shares their extensive knowledge of the role and significance of social responsibility within the broader ESG framework.  She also emphasizes the strategic importance of socially responsible and sustainable business […]

Details