🚨 🇪🇺 CJEU upholds asymmetric jurisdiction clauses   The CJEU has confirmed the validity of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses in its recent Lastre ruling (C-537/23). This decision provides clarity on the legal standing of such clauses in cross-border contracts, which resolves previous uncertainty from conflicting national court interpretations.   What does this mean? ✔ Asymmetric jurisdiction clauses—which allow one party to choose the competent court, commonly used in financial contracts—remain enforceable within EU member states and Lugano II Convention countries. ✔ Businesses and financial institutions involved in cross-border transactions should review their jurisdiction clauses to ensure compliance.   📖 Read our full article by Michal Hrušovský (Managing Associate) and Rebecca Hulalová (Junior Associate) here: https://lnkd.in/ddWJ5kfW   #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #CJEU #LegalUpdate #CrossBorderContracts #FinancialLaw #Finance #AsymmetricJurisdiction

🌟 We are pleased to have advised Madison Debt Holdings on the successful sale of Conexio Metro DOO Beograd, the owner of a metro optic network in Belgrade, to A1 Serbia. 🎯 🔌 The metro optic network, running through the sewage system to connect end-users, is a unique and highly sought-after telecom infrastructure in Serbia. 🤝 Our Belgrade team provided expert guidance through one of the most complex transaction structures in the market, crafting the corporate spin-off process and leveraging deep industry knowledge to ensure the successful carve-out of the metro network into a newly established company. This paved the way for a seamless share sale to A1 Serbia of spun off telecom assets. 💼 Our team was led by Radovan Grbović (Partner), alongside Mina Sreckovic and Mario Kijanović (Managing Associates), with Vuk Vučković, LL. M., Jelisaveta Folić, and Djordje Ilijasevic (Associates). 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dgHAc66r #ExceptionalTogether #DoneDeals #Serbia #OpticNetwork #Telecommunications

💼 The rise and fall of DEI: What employers need to know 🌍 #Diversity, #Equity, and #Inclusion (DEI) was once a key priority for businesses worldwide, but shifting economic and political landscapes are leading some companies to scale back. High-profile layoffs and budget cuts are raising concerns—yet stepping away from DEI comes with risks. 📌 What’s happening? Despite changing priorities, Romanian companies deprioritizing DEI may face reputational, legal, and employee relations challenges. Meanwhile, workplace transformations—remote work, the Great Resignation—have reinforced the need for inclusive policies. ⚖️ Key challenges & obligations: 🔹 Employers must balance DEI strategies with ESG compliance—neglecting the "S" in ESG could hurt their brand. 🔹 Labour authorities in Romania are increasingly scrutinizing discrimination and equal opportunity policies. 🔹 Employees demand fair workplaces—companies that invest in DEI see higher retention, engagement, and innovation. 💡 What’s next? 📄 Employers should develop a clear DEI plan with measurable goals and policies. 📑 Reviewing HR policies on discrimination, harassment, and equal pay is essential. 📊 Tracking DEI progress and impact will be key to long-term business success. 📖 Read the full article by Andrada Popescu to understand DEI’s evolving role and best practices: https://lnkd.in/dem_DsNn #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #DEI #WorkplaceInclusion #HR #EmployeeEngagement #DiversityEquityInclusion #ESG #Romania 

🔋 Romania introduces new rules for dual-use of permanent grasslands in renewable energy projects 🌱 Investors in renewable energy now have more clarity. With Order No. 4/2025, Romania has established clear rules for the partial removal of land from agricultural use when used in a dual system—both for agriculture and renewable energy production. 📌 What’s new? The legislation clarifies which land areas must be removed from agricultural use and which can remain active for grazing and fodder production—helping solar, wind, and energy storage projects move forward with fewer uncertainties. ⚖️ Key obligations & challenges: - The land under solar panels can stay in agricultural use, but other structures (poles, inverters, access roads) must be removed. - Agricultural production must not be affected—but what does that mean in practice? - The lack of clear technical parameters may cause documentation challenges during project approval. What’s next? 💡 📄 Investors should carefully prepare documentation and consult authorities to ensure compliance. 🤝 Landowners and developers must negotiate contracts covering land allocation, grazing rights, and renewable energy installations. 📖 Read the full analysis by Sandra Gheorghe to understand the compliance steps and investment opportunities: https://lnkd.in/dJ3g7TmV #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #Romania #LawUpdate #Energy

📢 Kinstellar Sofia acting as Bulgarian counsel, alongside Linklaters Milan acting as lead counsel, advised the EBRD and Raiffeisen Bank International on their lending to Tenevo Solar Technologies for the construction and operation of one of the largest PV power plants in Bulgaria. 💡 The total finance package of EUR 114 million will enable Tenevo Solar Technologies EAD, which is owned by Renalfa IPP and Eurowind Energy, to add 238 MW of solar generation capacity to the Bulgarian national energy system. This will be the first renewable energy plant over 100 MW that will sell all its output in the market without a support scheme or a corporate power purchase agreement in Bulgaria. Tenevo is also the first EBRD project in Bulgaria supported by #InvestEU guarantee which aims to foster sustainable investment and convergence to EU norms.   Kinstellar advised both lenders on all Bulgarian matters related to the financing of the development of the solar power plant.    The Kinstellar team was led by Svilen Issaev (Counsel, Banking & Finance) and included Boryana Boteva (Senior Counsel, Projects & Infrastructure), Mladen Minev (Counsel, Energy), Atanas Mihaylov (Counsel, Projects & Infrastructure), Denitsa Kuzeva (Senior Associate, Banking & Finance), and Simeon Vachev (Senior Associate, Projects & Infrastructure).   The Linklaters team was led by Tessa Lee (Partner, Milan), alongside Lucia Ciocarlan (Managing Associate, Milan), Matteo Bencic (Associate, Milan) and Natalia Mikołajczyk (Managing Associate, Warsaw). 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dj-z_sXe #ExceptionalTogether #donedeals #RES #solarenergy #projectfinancing #Bulgaria

🔎 As we move into 2025, our Bucharest team highlights key developments in the local employment dispute landscape over the past year. We identified two key trends 👇 📌 Rising harassment, discrimination, and whistle-blower claims – driven by heightened legal obligations for employers. 📌 Increasing appeals against dismissals, particularly amidst company restructurings and financial pressures. 💡 Drawing on these trends, we’re proud to share that our Employment Litigation Team has secured major court victories, successfully defending employers in three types of employment disputes: collective dismissals, harassment claims, and contract terminations. 📖 Read our full analysis and key takeaways here: https://lnkd.in/dQGTNtXC, a summary written by Remus Codreanu (Partner) and Lidia Zarnescu (Managing Associate). #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #EmploymentLaw #LitigationTrends #WorkplaceCulture #LegalInsights #Romania

🛫 We are excited to launch the first issue of our Corporate / M&A newsletter in Bulgaria! Stay informed with the latest developments in corporate, commercial, and contract law, as well as M&A updates. ⚖️ 💡 From legislative changes to key industry developments, we’ve got you covered with our expert analysis to help you navigate the evolving legal landscape. 📩 Subscribe now at and receive the latest insights and trends straight to your inbox! #ExceptionalTogether #InTheKnow #Insight #Corporate #MergersandAcquisitions #LegalUpdates #NewsletterLaunch #Bulgaria