As most of Europe, the Western Balkan countries have been severely hit by the COVID-19 outbreak. This has affected competition law enforcement in these jurisdictions - inter alia, merger control deadlines in Serbia have been modified.
In other developments, Chambers' new rankings are out - and they include lawyers from Doklestic Repic & Gajin.
Serbia
COVID-19
Serbia in a state of emergency
In order to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Serbian government declared a state of emergency on March 15. Some of the regulations adopted during the state of emergency have a direct effect on competition law proceedings, as described in more detail below.
Merger control
Merger control deadlines during COVID-19
The deadlines for the merger control procedure in Serbia are modified during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Merger control
Phase II merger probe in the phytopharmacy sector
The Serbian NCA has announced it has started a Phase II probe of a planned takeover in the phytopharmacy sector.
State aid
Coronavirus and State aid
How will the expected government support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak be assessed under the Serbian State aid rules?
Other developments
Chambers’ rankings for Serbia are out
The newest edition of Chambers Europe is out – and it includes lawyers from Doklestic Repic & Gajin.
Montenegro
COVID 19 affects the work of the Montenegrin NCA
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Montenegrin NCA has modified its operations. During the outbreak, the NCA has suspended all meetings with parties and has asked parties to deliver all documents by post or email.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian NCA downsizes operations in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country's NCA has issued a guidance on how it will operate during the crisis. During the emergency, only the essential staff will be coming to the office and the rest will be working from home. Also, there will be no meetings with parties during this period.
North Macedonia
COVID-19
North Macedonia in a state of emergency
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, North Macedonia has been in a state of emergency since March 18. The country's NCA is yet to issue any special guidance for its operation during the emergency.
Merger control
Five new merger notifications
During March, the North Macedonian NCA announced the receipt of five new merger notifications:
- Farmalogist Holding doo (Serbia) - Septima dooel (North Macedonia), Pontera Pharma Solutions (Montenegro)
- Telemach doo (Slovenia) - KRS Štepanjsko naselje (Slovenia)
- United Link doo (Slovenia) - Ideo Link doo (Slovenia)
- Peugeot SA (France), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (Netherlands/UK)
- Telemach doo (Slovenia) - Elcatel doo (Slovenia)
General
Merger filing app
We have developed a web app with which you can check whether your transaction triggers the merger filing obligation in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.
Originally sent by e-mail. Original issue (mailchi.mp) · gajin.rs