Eversheds Sutherland CEE Insights

Whether you're already operating in Central and Eastern Europe or considering expansion into the region, you will find practical guidance and strategic insights designed to help your business navigate regulatory changes, seize opportunities and make confident decisions. From cross-border growth to managing local operations, our professionals highlight key considerations and next steps to support your legal teams and leadership.

As a leading global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland combines international reach with deep local expertise, providing legal advice and solutions to an international client base which includes some of the world’s largest multinationals.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how these updates may impact your business, our team is here to help.

Deal insights

Czech Republic

Advisory lead on CITIC Group’s sale of Invia Group

Our Czech Republic team advised CITIC Group, one of China’s largest state-owned enterprises, on the sale of Invia Group SE in collaboration with London-based law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP.

The sale was carried out by European Bridge Travel a.s., a joint venture between CITIC Group and Rockaway Capital, and involved the transfer of ownership to WP Holding, a Polish company active in travel, e-commerce, advertising and media.

Read more information

Romania

Major telecom deal in Romania

Our Romania team has successfully finalized the signing for OTE’s exit from the Romanian market, completing the sale of its mobile operations to Vodafone and Digi Mobile. This marks the largest telecom transaction in Romania this year and a significant milestone for the sector.

For more information, please contact: Mihai Guia, Head of Eversheds Sutherland CEE Group, Managing Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Romania.

Slovakia

Fitness sector expansion

Our Slovakia team advised Form Factory Slovakia on acquiring a majority stake in Fitcamp s.r.o., supporting the expansion of its fitness portfolio in line with its growth strategy across Slovakia and Europe. The transaction strengthens Form Factory’s presence in Bratislava and reinforces its position in the regional fitness market.

Read more information

---

Legal updates

Austria

Partial retirement: New option in Austria from January 1, 2026

From January 1 2026, Austrian employees eligible for an old-age pension may choose partial retirement by agreeing with their employer to cut working hours by 25–75%. Earnings must stay above the marginal threshold (EUR 551.10 per month in 2025). The pension account splits: a “closed” part pays compensation based on the reduction; the “open” part continues to accrue. Benefits lapse if limits are breached; early-retirement deductions apply.

Read more information

Czech Republic

New cybersecurity act in the Czech Republic

On August 4, 2025, a new law, No. 264/2025 Sb., was published in the Collection of Laws (CZ), fundamentally changing the rules of cybersecurity in the Czech Republic. It will come into effect on November 1, 2025, and will affect thousands of companies across all sectors. The law introduces stricter and new obligations, rapid incident reporting and corporate governance responsibilities.

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

Hungary

Litigation costs rise under amended Civil Procedure legislation

As of January 2025, the Act on Duties (Act XCIII of 1990) was amended, changing the duty payable for first-instance civil proceedings. Previously, the duty was 6% of the claim value with a maximum of HUF 1,500,000 (approx. EUR 3,750). Under the new rules, a flat duty of HUF 18,000 (EUR 45) applies if the disputed amount does not exceed HUF 300,000 (EUR 750). For disputes above that threshold, the duty is calculated progressively based on the claim’s value — with no upper limit. In practice, the reform substantially increases litigation costs, particularly by abolishing the cap, and has brought civil court fees closer to arbitration fees, thereby creating real competition between the two forums.

For more information, please contact Péter Sándor and Greg Dzsinich, Co-Managing Partners – Eversheds Sutherland Hungary.

Poland

One clinical analysis for the whole of Europe

On September 12, 2025, an amendment to the Act on the reimbursement of medicines, special foods and medical devices entered into force. The new rules allow applicants to be exempted from submitting a clinical analysis if EU-level data and evidence for the same indication and target population are already available and meet the required standards. Polish authorities will be obliged to take into account joint clinical assessment reports and related information published on the EU IT platform. However, Member States will continue to decide on the overall clinical added value of a given technology in the context of their own healthcare systems.

For more information, please contact Marta Gadomska-Gołąb, Partner – Eversheds Sutherland Poland.

Romania

Second reform package tightens corporate rules and raises taxes

After raising the dividend tax from 10% to 16% earlier this summer, the Romanian Government has unveiled a second reform package. It combines stricter corporate rules with new tax measures: higher share capital requirements (min. EUR 100, based on turnover), restrictions on related-party loans, and tax authority clearance for share transfers where liabilities exist. Dividend payouts face tighter rules, with sanctions and possible dissolution for persistent undercapitalization. Tax changes include higher rates on capital gains and cryptocurrency transfers and stricter deductibility limits on related-party expenses, while the 1% minimum turnover tax for companies above EUR 50 million remains. The measures are not yet in force due to challenges, with updates expected after October 8, 2025.

For more information, please contact Mihai Guia, Head of Eversheds Sutherland CEE Group, Managing Partner - Eversheds Sutherland Romania.

Slovakia

Slovakia prepares major reforms in renewable energy legislation

A new legislative package, expected to enter Parliament in late 2025, aims to simplify permitting, ensure price stability for investors, and improve grid capacity transparency. If adopted, Slovakia could become a significantly more attractive market for wind energy investment, with a target of 750 MW by 2030.

For more information, please contact Annamária Tóthová, Head of Environmental and Energy Law, Partner Eversheds Sutherland Slovakia.

---

Market topics

Europe Action Week: November 3 – 7, 2025

Eversheds Sutherland presents a dynamic mix of events designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. With 17 activities across 20 countries over the coming weeks, including the CEE region, Europe Action Week offers a mix of in-person and virtual sessions covering key topics such as geopolitical shifts, EU legislation including the Pay Transparency Directive and the AI Act, renewable energy and M&A. There is something for everyone, no matter where you are based.

Explore the full program and register now

---

Team news

Czech Republic

Eversheds Sutherland augments its position in the Czech Republic

Eversheds Sutherland has announced the strengthening of its client offering across key capabilities in the Czech Republic with the consolidation of Eversheds Sutherland with law firm Kropáček LEGAL. Kropáček LEGAL, founded and subsequently led by Pavel Kropáček in 2013, has built an impressive reputation over the past decade, particularly in the real estate and litigation sectors. As part of the consolidation, Eversheds Sutherland Czech Republic has integrated a 12-strong team across its core practice areas – real estate, litigation and corporate. The combined team has formed one of the largest and most comprehensive real estate legal offerings in Prague.

Read the full press release here

Read the news on LinkedIn

Hungary

New colleagues in Budapest

We are delighted to introduce outstanding additions to the Budapest team:

• Dr. Zsuzsa Detrekői, Ph.D., Of Counsel, joins our TMT, cyber & privacy practice, working with Co-Managing Partner Greg Dzsinich and supporting the China Desk. She earned her PhD in 2016 in internet regulation, currently serves as a researcher at the Media and Journalism Research Center in Spain, and chairs the IP Committee of the Hungarian Association for IT Ventures.
• Dr. Ákos Mester, Of Counsel, brings extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, joint ventures, project finance and real estate. He worked in international firms in Hungary, the US and the Middle East, and later served as partner at Squire Patton Boggs before starting his own practice in 2019. He brings strong expertise in advising Chinese clients and will further strengthen the China Desk.
• Dr. Domonkos Mester-Csiki, Junior Associate, completed Eversheds Sutherland's internal development and coaching program as a student, earned his J.D., actively learns Chinese, and was selected to join the Budapest team - reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent from the very start of their careers.