Eversheds Sutherland CEE Insights

Introduction

CEE Outlook 2026: Peace, recovery, and growth

As 2026 approaches, Central and Eastern Europe stands at a turning point. The region faces accelerating growth, major infrastructure upgrades, energy security challenges, and shifting trade patterns amid geopolitical uncertainty. Traditional sectors like automotive are under pressure, while opportunities in technology and green investment are emerging.

At Eversheds Sutherland, we serve clients across seven CEE jurisdictions, giving us a unique perspective on these developments. Our expectations for the year ahead include (hopefully): peace, recovery and growth. If your plans involve navigating regulatory change, managing cross-border transactions, or driving strategic investments, let’s talk.

We are ready to help you turn challenges into opportunities.

Stanislav Dvořák, Partner – Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic

Legal updates

Austria

Freelancers – what will change from 2026?

From January 1, 2026, new rules for employe e-like freelancers will come into force in Austria: Statutory notice periods will be introduced for the first time. Collective agreements can include freelancers, and service notes must reflect these changes. Employers should review contracts, update documents and check if CBAs apply.

Read more information

For consultation, please contact Silva Palzer, Head of Employment law, Partner Eversheds Sutherland Austria

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Bulgaria

Amendments to the Bulgarian Competition Protection Act: Expanded powers of the competition authority

On November 7, 2025, major changes to the BCPA took effect, strengthening the CPC’s tools: Call-in mechanism for below-threshold mergers, dawn raids during sector inquiries, external experts, new settlement procedure, access to electronic data, and higher sanctions for unfair practices. CPC can now review mergers below thresholds if turnover exceeds BGN 25m and competition may be impeded.

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For consultation, please contact Irina Tsvetkova, Head of corporate, employment and M&A, Managing Partner – Eversheds Sutherland Bulgaria

 

Bulgaria will enter the Eurozone on January 1, 2026

From January 1, 2026, Bulgaria adopts the euro under the Euro Act and EU Regulation 2025/1408 at a fixed rate of EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583. Share capital will be converted automatically by the Registry Agency. Companies must update Articles of Association to show capital in euro with their first 2026 filing, no later than January 1, 2027. Price controls apply, including dual display and limits on increases until August 8, 2026. The transition has major operational, financial and legal impacts.

For consultation, please contact Irina Tsvetkova, Head of corporate, employment and M&A, Managing Partner – Eversheds Sutherland Bulgaria

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Czech Republic

NIS2 registration

The Czech Republic has launched the compliance period for reporting obligations under its local implementation of the NIS2 Directive. Business falling within the scope of NIS2 must ensure they complete the required notification process before the deadline at the end of 2025. Failure to comply within this timeframe may result in significant regulatory consequences, so early preparation is strongly recommended.

For consultation, please contact Jaroslav Tajbr, Head of IT/IP, Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic

 

Digital Omnibus: key legal impacts

The Digital Omnibus is a 2025 Commission proposal to streamline EU digital laws, including the AI Act, Data Act, GDPR, and cybersecurity rules, reducing fragmentation while keeping safeguards. It introduces a new basis for using sensitive data to detect AI bias, narrows emergency-only B2G data sharing, and simplifies GDPR with unified ENISA-led reporting. Adoption is expected in 2026, with application from 2027/2028.

Read more information

For consultation, please contact:

Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic: Jaroslav Tajbr, Head of IT/IP, Partner 

Eversheds Sutherland Poland: Aleksandra Kunkiel-Kryńska and Marta Gadomska Gołąb, Heads of the Commercial Team, Partners

 

The new Cybersecurity Act significantly reshaped Czech FDI screening

From November 1, 2025, mandatory screening applied to investments in providers of regulated services placed under the higher-obligations regime, bringing many more entities into scope, such as major hospitals and labs, large energy and water utilities, transport and logistics operators, cloud and data-centre providers, critical industrial players, and even postal and courier services. Investors faced a wider review perimeter and needed to assess early whether the new regime captured their deals.

For consultation, please contact Barbora Bugová, Senior Associate - Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic

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Poland

Amendment to the Act on the National Court Register

From November 29, 2025, entries in the National Court Register take immediate legal effect without publication in the Court and Commercial Gazette. Fees are removed, and from 2027 registration files will be fully digital and accessible only via the ICT system. Authorities will use API for automated data retrieval.

 

Amendment to the Central Register Act

Since November 27, 2025, entrepreneurs can access centralised business data through a unified portal combining information from the National Court Register, the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity, and the VAT register.

For consultation, please contact Ewa Szlachetka and Tomasz Żak, Corporate Team, Partners - Eversheds Sutherland Poland

 

Important changes for contractors from third countries – "no go" in Polish tenders are now in force

Amendments to the Polish Public Procurement Law, in force since September 9, 2025, restrict access for contractors from third countries such as China and Turkey. The rule is clear: no participation, joint bidding, resource use, or subcontracting. However, contracting authorities may allow participation or apply less favourable conditions in specific cases.

For consultation, please contact Michał Wojciechowski, Public Contracts, Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Poland

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Romania

Key employment law updates in Romania

Recent changes include extra remote work days for certain parents, such as eight days per month for those raising a child with disabilities, and mandatory employer notice when reinstating employees by court order. Case law clarified: no dismissal during certified medical leave and maternity risk leave suspends the contract. The Government’s second reform package was adopted on November 18, 2025, though some provisions await Constitutional Court review after December 10, 2025.

For consultation, please contact Oana Paliță, Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Romania

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Slovakia

Preparation for implementation of below-threshold merger reviews (call-in model) in Slovakia

The Slovak competition authority is introducing a “call-in” model for merger notifications, allowing it to require notification even if turnover thresholds are not met, where competition concerns exist. Companies can no longer rely solely on financial thresholds. Implementation is expected no earlier than next year, with soft law guidance planned. Transactions may face delays and extra costs if called in. Voluntary notification is advised for deals that could raise competition concerns. Implementation is expected no earlier than next year.

For more information, please contact Petra Hager, Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Bratislava

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Deal insights

CEE

Pepco

Eversheds Sutherland Poland has advised Pepco Group N.V. (Pepco), a leading pan-European variety discount retailer, on the successful execution of €770 million in new term and revolving credit facilities. The proceeds will be used to refinance the Group’s existing credit arrangements, including its existing high-yield bonds. Eversheds Sutherland deployed a team spanning the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Hungary and Czechia.

Read more information

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Czech Republic

Sico Rent Group

The Czech team of Eversheds Sutherland provided legal advice to the owners in connection with the sale of a 100% stake in the Sico Rent Group, a leading Czech company specializing in the rental of work platforms and construction machinery. Sico Rent Group has been active in the market for more than 20 years and, during its existence, has built the widest range of equipment in the Czech Republic. The buyer was Statech, a member of the Quva Group based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which operates similar services across Europe under the Mateco brand. Legal team was led by Partner Michal Hrabovský.

 

VivInvest

Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic advised VivInvest Management, a Czech investment company active in residential development for over 12 years, on acquiring a project on Prague’s eastern outskirts with over 170 residential and non-residential units. Advice covered due diligence, acquisition and loan documentation, security instruments, and corporate documents. This is the second phase of a large-scale project. Legal team was led by Partner Pavel Kropáček.

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Poland

Santander Bank Polska

Eversheds Sutherland Poland advised Santander Bank Polska on a EUR 45 million loan facility to refinance the acquisition of a 104,000 sq. m. BREEAM Excellent logistics facility near Bydgoszcz by REICO LONG LEASE, a fund of REICO IS EAM, part of Erste Asset Management. The deal was classified as sustainable finance under Santander Group’s system, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable development in real estate.

Banking & Finance legal team was led by Partner Mateusz Dereszyński, Real Estate team by Partner Michał Smolny.

 

Polish Development Fund (PFR)

Eversheds Sutherland Poland advised Foreign Expansion Fund2 FIZAN, managed by the Polish Development Fund (PFR), on debt financing granted to Recykl Invest sp. z o.o. for the acquisition of shares in two companies from the waste management sector in Kaunas (Lithuania) and Wernigerode (Germany). The transaction is a project finance investment carried out on the Lithuanian and German markets. The law firm's team provided comprehensive support in the preparation and finalisation of the financing documentation. The work was led by Parter Mateusz Dereszyński.

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Slovakia

Contour Global Erneuerbare Energie Europa

Eversheds Sutherland Slovakia in cooperation with Eversheds Sutherland Austria have successfully advised ContourGlobal Erneuerbare Energie Europa GmbH (Austria) on the sale of 31 photovoltaic plants in Slovakia. The M&A team at Eversheds Sutherland advised on this cross-border transaction from the legal due diligence stage through financial restructuring and contract negotiations to the closing on October 23. Slovak legal team was led by Managing Partner Bernhard Hager.

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Events

CEE

Europe Action Week: Insights and connections across CEE

This November, Europe Action Week brought together professionals across the region for a series of impactful events:

• Austria hosted its traditional XI. Legal Day, an exclusive annual gathering for General Counsels and senior management from leading DACH companies.
• Bulgaria explored the Timeline of Euro Adoption in its webinar On the Road to the Eurozone.
• Czech Republic held two breakfast seminars: one on Employment Law Updates and another on Residential Project Realization for developers.
• Hungary welcomed participants to the Connect Conference, focusing on trends in Employment, M&A, and Cybersecurity, with contributions from King & Wood Mallesons and Microsoft, and a spotlight on EU–China collaboration.
• Poland delivered practical insights through Legal Workshops for in-house counsel, covering pay transparency, directors’ duties, private enforcement of competition law, and key tax considerations for foreign companies entering the market.
• Romania celebrated the conclusion of the ACC mentorship program with a Mentorship Dinner, bringing together representatives from over 35 Turkish businesses and legal professionals.
• Slovakia hosted Afternoon Talks on Regulatory Inspections and Corporate Liability: What Every Business Should Know.

Europe Action Week took place not only in the CEE region but across the whole of Europe and it continues to reinforce Eversheds Sutherland’s commitment to supporting businesses and legal professionals throughout the region.

Watch this short summary video

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Czech Republic

Developers’ autumn 2025

From September to November, Czech team held professional seminars under the title Developers’ Autumn, attracting project managers and entrepreneurs. Topics included project acquisitions, cooperation between investors and developers, utility network challenges, and legal structuring for property sales. The Czech team is already preparing a spring edition.

Watch the video from the whole series

 

CEOs Panel discussion series

Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic, in collaboration with Stanton Chase, hosted a CEO panel in November on the topic ‘AI: Game Changer for the Modern CEO.’ CEOs from Uniqa, Forbes, and Czech Radiocommunications, joined by an AI expert, shared insights on effective AI use. They emphasized smart investments, experimentation, and viewing AI as an opportunity. Job losses aren’t expected—roles will evolve, making adaptation essential.

Watch the video from the event

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Hungary

Hungary-Focused conference held in China’s Ling-gang trade zone

Greg Dzsinich and Atticus Zhao of King & Wood Mallesons organized a Hungary focused conference in the Ling-gang Special Trade Zone in China in October, where the major Hungarian bank OTP and the Hungarian Diplomacy was also invited to present.

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Poland

Autumn with the Polish labour law

From September to December, the Polish team organises a series of short online meetings dedicated to the most important and interesting issues in Polish labour law. Experts from the Polish team discuss current topics and upcoming regulatory changes in a clear, practical way, offering solutions useful for HR teams. Seminar topics include: the right to disconnect and rest; mobbing and discrimination; transparent recruitment and salary transparency; sick leave and privacy limits; and new powers of the National Labour Inspectorate to reclassify B2B contracts as employment contracts.

Read more information

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Awards

Czech Republic

Czech success in the latest IFLR1000 EMEA and Law firm of the year rankings

Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic excelled in the IFLR1000 EMEA rankings. Managing Partner Bořivoj Líbal was named a Notable Practitioner for M&A and project development, alongside Partner Dominika Veselá, Head of Real Estate. The Czech team was recognized in M&A, banking and finance, project development, and restructuring. It also ranked as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in five areas and RECOMMENDED in two in Law Firm of the Year 2025.

Read press release

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Poland

Poland strengthened its position in the latest IFLR1000 EMEA rankings

The Polish team has significantly strengthened its position in the prestigious IFLR1000 ranking, by doubling the number of recommended lawyers. Ewa Szlachetka and Krzysztof Feluch from the M&A team were recognized as Highly Regarded. Tomasz Żak (M&A) and Mateusz Dereszyński (Banking and Finance) debuted in the rankings as they were named as Notable Practitioners. The Polish team has been repeatedly recognized in the areas of M&A, banking and finance, project development, and project finance.

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Slovakia

The Slovak Spectator

For the third year in a row, Slovak team has been listed among the Largest International Law Firms in Slovakia for 2025. For the very first time, Slovak team also been ranked among the Top 10 Largest Law Firms in Labour Law. This prestigious recognition by The Slovak Spectator highlights continued commitment to excellence, under the leadership of Jana Sapáková in the category of Labour Law.

 

Slovak success in the latest IFLR1000 EMEA rankings

The prestigious IFLR1000 ranking has once again recognized Slovak team in three practice areas: Project Development, Banking & Finance with and M&A. In addition, Petra Hager was honored as a Rising Star Partner in the Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A categories, Annamária Tóthová was acknowledged as a Notable Practitioner in Project Development and Filip Kozoň was recognized as a Rising Star in Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A and Real Estate.

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Team news

Hungary

New counsel strengthens Hungarian team

Counsel Robert Hollo joined the Hungarian Team. He advises on commercial contracts, damages claims, real estate, and corporate law. In employment law, he covers the full lifecycle of relationships and workplace policies. He also specializes in data protection, serving as DPO, conducting audits, and drafting privacy policies. Robert holds a legal Ph.D. and works in Hungarian and English, with conversational Chinese and Japanese.