29 Feb 2024

CSDDD Challenges: Navigating Setbacks in EU Legislation

29 Feb 2024

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 […]

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21 Feb 2024

Montenegro Unveils its First Draft Renewable Energy Act

21 Feb 2024

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 […]

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19 Feb 2024

Implications of the Revised Market Definition Notice for Western Balkan Countries

19 Feb 2024

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 […]

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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

08 Feb 2024

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 […]

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07 Feb 2024

Gecić Law Celebrates Landmark Legal Triumph in Kosovo

07 Feb 2024

Gecić Law iproudly announces a landmark legal triumph in Kosovo, marking a significant achievement in its history. The Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Priština annulled yesterday its decision from October 3, 2023, which had suspended the broadcasting of Arena Channels in its territory, claiming alleged broadcasting of illegal content.  The authorities after all reinstated the channels, and cable networks in Kosovo are free to broadcast. Above all, this triumph was achieved through a strategic collaboration with Clifford Chance and Deloitte Legal’s local counsel.  The victory indeed highlighted our firm’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaborative success in the legal domain.  […]

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05 Feb 2024

Gecić Law Collaborates on Pioneering CBAM Projects in Israel

05 Feb 2024

In a landmark accomplishment, the collaborative efforts of Gecić Law’s ESG and EU Law teams, alongside Shibolet & Co.’s Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change team, in partnership with Sher Consulting & Training, have led to a significant milestone.  This achievement marks the successful submission of the first CBAM reports from Israel in accordance with the EU’s new CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulation.  This groundbreaking collaboration supports Israeli aluminum, steel, and iron exporters, addressing the challenges of a new era in environmental accountability. Importers successfully submitted their first CBAM reports, covering the fourth quarter of 2023, by the January 31, […]

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02 Feb 2024

Serving Aces or Double Faults? Navigating the Tax Game for Professional Athletes

02 Feb 2024

It is common for the media to report on the incomes and prize money earned by professional athletes.  However, what is less known are the intricacies of their tax obligations.  Before delving into sports-related taxation, it’s essential to recognize that the contributions of professional athletes to their countries.  These extend far beyond any monetary value that might arise from taxing their income and prize money.  Nevertheless, taxes are an inevitable aspect of life, and the sports industry is no exception. Taxing this revenue is always a hot topic, with sports becoming increasingly lucrative and generating substantial sums of money.  Most […]

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01 Feb 2024

Another Triumph for Arena Channels Group in BiH Antitrust Case

01 Feb 2024

Gecić Law is pleased to announce yet another win in an antitrust law case in collaboration with Marić & Co Law Firm Ltd.  Together, we have obtained a favorable judgment for our esteemed client Arena Channels Group (ACG). In October, we shared news on the case focused on premium football broadcasting within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).  The Competition Authority of BiH (CA) initiated an investigation, prompted by Telemach, alleging abuse of market dominance by ACG.  After a thorough investigation, the CA dismissed the complaint, concluding ACG’s equitable engagement within the market. The dispute persisted as the initial claimant challenged the CA’s decision.  However, the […]

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30 Jan 2024

Technical Issues Impact CBAM Reporting: Extended Deadlines and No Penalties

30 Jan 2024

In latest CBAM news, the European Commission has acknowledged significant technical difficulties impacting businesses for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reporting.  These issues stem from a technical malfunction affecting several EU customs systems, including ICS2 and the CBAM Registry. To support declarants facing challenges in CBAM reporting, the Commission has introduced measures to facilitate the process.  Starting from February 1, a new feature in the Transitional Registry will allow affected businesses to “request delayed submission”.  This provision grants an additional 30 days for submitting their quarterly CBAM report. The Commission has assured that no penalties will apply for […]

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25 Jan 2024

A Deep Dive into the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)

25 Jan 2024

In an era where businesses are increasingly attuned to their environmental and social footprint, the European Union has ushered in a transformative era by introducing the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).  Anticipated to take effect in 2024, this groundbreaking legislation is poised to reshape the landscape for companies operating within the EU and beyond its borders. At its essence, the CSDDD compels large companies to: Identify, prevent, and alleviate potential adverse impacts on human rights and the environment across their entire value chain, encompassing subsidiaries, suppliers, and downstream partners. Institute a due diligence process integrating risk assessment, grievance mechanisms, […]

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