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Compensations for energy prices in Slovakia
On 1 December 2022, the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (“the Ministry”) published a call for the submission of applications for the provision of a subsidy to cover additional costs due to the increase in gas and electricity prices (“the Call”). The aim of the Call is to compensate qualifying companies and natural persons (entrepreneurs) for excessive energy prices in August and September 2022. In this article, we present an overview of the related key information. 1 Basis The Call was published in accordance with the state aid scheme approved by the European Commission under No. SA. 104846 under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework (“the Scheme”). The Ministry
Kinstellar named Law Firm of the Year in Central Europe at The Lawyer European Awards ceremony
Kinstellar is pleased to announce that it has been named “2022 Law Firm of the Year: Central Europe” by the leading UK and European legal publication The Lawyer at its annual European Awards ceremony. Each year the awards celebrate excellence across the European legal market and recognise firms that have demonstrated outstanding achievements through their mandates, performance, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client service. Winners are chosen from among over 120 independent law firms headquartered in Europe and global firms across the continent. Kinstellar is also proud to have been shortlisted for the “Law Firm of the Year: South Eastern Europe” and ‘’Law Firm of the Year: Ukraine’’
Kinstellar advises a syndicate of banks led by VÚB banka on a EUR 100 million loan for the development of Bory Mall in Bratislava
Kinstellar’s Bratislava office has recently advised a syndicate of banks led by Všeobecná úverová banka (VÚB Bank) and including Slovenská sporiteľňa, ČSOB and HYPO-BANK Burgenland in relation to a EUR 100 million club loan facility for refinancing and further investment in Bory Mall—a shopping and entertainment centre in Bratislava developed by Penta Real Estate. Kinstellar’s team in Bratislava was managed by Counsel Tomáš Melišek and included Dominika Bajzáthová (Managing Associate), Dáša Labašová (Senior Associate) and Michaela Straková (Junior Associate). Partner Marián Šulík led the team of Škubla & Partneri, which acted as advisors to the borrower. For more information
Kinstellar advises Powerful Medical on EUR 6.2 million seed funding
Kinstellar’s Bratislava office has recently advised Powerful Medical, a Slovak artificial intelligence and machine-learning MedTech company, in its negotiation of new financing agreements with investors. Powerful Medical successfully raised a total of EUR 6.2 million in seed funding from several US and EU investors, including Arieli Capital, Venture To Future Fund (VFF), CB ESPRI Impact One, bpd partners, and several angel investors. Powerful Medical has developed a software medical device that automates ECG analysis using artificial intelligence and machine-learning modules, which enables timely and cost-effective arterial fibrillation diagnosis and enhanced quality of treatment. Kinstellar has been supporting
Recent changes to the Slovak Labour Code
On 4 October 2022, the Slovak parliament adopted an amendment to the Labour Code (the "Amendment") that enters into effect on 1 November 2022. The aim of the Amendment is mainly to implement two EU directives (No. 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the EU and No. 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers) and to respond to certain requirements resulting from application practice. In this article, we present an overview of the most important changes. 1 Content of employment contracts Essential elements of an employment contractThe essential elements of an employment contract have not changed, but the definition of the place of work has been clarified. The contract must
Kinstellar hosts webinar on current developments in the CEE life sciences & healthcare sector
On 14 June 2022, Kinstellar hosted a webinar centred on current developments in the life sciences & healthcare sector across Central and Eastern Europe. We covered some of the most relevant and pressing topics currently impacting the life sciences & healthcare landscape, including (i) sector inquiries by local competition authorities in the area of life sciences; (ii) price reduction announcements and their relevance for the CEE pharma sector; and (iii) legal challenges on the use of artificial intelligence across the life sciences industry. Presentations were made by Tomáš Čihula, Eszter Takácsi-Nagy, Péter Vörös and Petr Bratský. Below we provide a brief summary: Sector inquiries
Transposition of New Deal for Consumers (Omnibus Directive, SGD, DCD)
Nearly a year has passed since the lapse of the transposition period for the Digital Content Directive and the Sale of Goods Directive, which brought important changes to national consumer protection rules. However, many jurisdictions still have not implemented the Directives. We are closely monitoring the implementation process in our EU jurisdictions. Below is an overview of the implementation status of the Directives in the remaining EU Member States where Kinstellar operates that have not yet implemented the Directivesand a brief summary of the main changes and the expected country-specific implications for business. In addition, we bring you information from several non-EU countries that have taken inspiration from the
Cookies: New Legislation
With France and Austria deciding on data protection issues in relation to Google Analytics, many more countries have followed suit in relevant changes to so-called web browser cookies. In order to limit the amount and quality of data retrieved by providers from users, mainly without them realising the true scope of this data and the use of such data by providers, legislators are passing stricter rules on data collection. Below is an overview of new legislation adopted to combat the extensive collection and usage of user data: Bulgaria The current legislative environment provides a more relaxed opt-out model of user consent regarding the use of cookies.
Misinformation in cyberspace
Since the war in Ukraine became the main subject of newspaper headlines, the amount of related misinformation spread online has reached new heights. As a result, several governments have adopted legislation that provides tools to combat the spread of misinformation. Below is an overview of legislation used to combat misinformation in the Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions: Bulgaria It is worth noting that on 1 March 2022 the Bulgarian electronic media watchdog decided to suspend the distribution of TV channels “Russia Today” and “Sputnik” in line with the EU response to Russian military activity in Ukraine.
Cybersecurity in Emerging Europe and Central Asia
With the invasion of Ukraine and a substantial increase in cyberattacks on governments, critical infrastructure and other strategic targets, the topic of cybersecurity has gained even more importance. Below is an overview of the steps that national security authorities have taken to strengthen national security. Bulgaria On 24 November 2021, the Bulgarian government designated the State e-Government Agency as a national coordination centre for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2021/887. The establishment of the coordination centre is expected to contribute to achieving a high level of network and information security, thus boosting the standards and
Setting up operations in Slovakia
Today’s uncertainties at the European Union’s eastern border have left companies questioning the safety of their people and the continuity of their operations in that part of the world. Businesses in the IT and BPO sectors that had found talent and growth opportunities in counties such as Ukraine or Moldova are now rethinking their strategy and options to move operations across the border, either temporarily or permanently. Our team in Bratislava has prepared a quick overview of the most important aspects that you need to consider if you decide to move your operations to Slovakia. Download in English: Download in Ukrainian:
Changes to web browser cookies
With France and Austria deciding on data protection issues in relation to Google Analytics, many more countries have followed suit in relevant changes to so-called web browser cookies. In order to limit the amount and quality of data retrieved by providers from users, mainly without them realising the true scope of this data and the use of such data by providers, legislators are passing stricter rules on data collection. Below is an overview of new legislation adopted to combat the extensive collection and usage of user data: Bulgaria The current legislative environment provides a more relaxed opt-out model of user consent regarding the