On 16 October 2024, Karanović & Partners hosted its 19th annual conference at Metropol Palace in Belgrade –Regional Compliance & Business Regulation Conference. Evolving from an event focused primarily on competition law, this occasion has become a regular event in the regional business landscape, addressing a wide range of topics such as M&A, data protection, employment law, tax, cybersecurity, including some emerging business trends like AI and the use of legal technology.
Our Managing Partner Miloš Vučković opened the gathering with a welcoming address, reflecting on its success throughout the years and the depth of expertise it brings to the regional legal community. Attendees were then inspired by a keynote speech delivered by H.E. Mr. Luca Gori, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Serbia, who spoke on the importance of collaboration and regulatory advancement in Southeast Europe.
Panel I: Suit Up for M&A Disputes
The first panel, moderated by our Senior Partner Miloš Jakovljević, explored the landscape of M&A disputes. The panelists — Marleen Krueger and Charlie Caher, Partners from Wilmer Hale (London), our Partner Milica Savić, and our colleague Minu A. Gvardjančič, Partner at Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic —discussed the diverse strategies involved in both preventing disputes and managing them effectively when they arise.
By examining recent cases and offering insights into arbitration, the panel provided attendees with practical tools for assessing and preventing potential risks in complex M&A transactions.
Panel II: Innovate Too Early vs Too Late
Led by our Senior Partner Rastko Petaković, the second panel focused on innovation in legal processes, particularly within in-house teams, and examined the role of legaltech in improving productivity at companies, allowing both in-house teams and their lawyers to focus on more strategic issues.
Panelists Boštjan Gubič, Head of Structured Financing at Banka Sparkasse (Ljubljana); Stefan Dobrić, Legal Director at Bambi; Miroslav Đurić, Senior Associate at Taylor Wessing (Frankfurt); and Vojislav Bajić, Business Development Manager at GapApp, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the timing of innovation. This conversation centred on the challenge many organisations face: whether to innovate too early, potentially encountering unforeseen challenges, or to innovate too late and risk falling behind, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence.
The panelists shared perspectives on optimising legal processes, covering everything from shortening contract lifecycles to automating low-complexity tasks, all while balancing the potential benefits and risks. The session underscored that in an age where efficiency and client expectations are paramount, adopting a timely approach to innovation is vital for legal teams seeking to stay competitive.
Panel III: Focus on Competition and Regional Trade
The third panel, moderated by our Partner Bojan Vučković, explored the interaction between competition law and regional trade in Southeast Europe, specifically through the lenses of the Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAA) and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).
The panelists — Valentina Nikolova, Secretary General of the Commission for Protection of Competition of North Macedonia; Attila Komives, Counsel at A&O Shearman (Budapest); our colleague Nina Krajnc Anžlovar, Senior Associate at Ketler & Partners, member of Karanovic; and Partner Ljupka Noveska Andonova—analysed common competition law infringements that impact cross-border sales between EU and CEFTA member states, with particular attention to restrictions on parallel imports. The participants also discussed how raising awareness of competition law compliance is important for local markets in Southeast Europe.
A Successful Conference with Engaging Dialogues
It was exciting to see the conference succeed, and we sincerely appreciate all participants for their valuable contributions. The Regional Compliance & Business Regulation Conference brought together a diverse audience eager to engage in Q&A sessions after each panel. Business leaders, legal experts, and industry professionals enjoyed sharing perspectives and asking thoughtful questions in a lively dialogue.
We believe the panels have provided valuable context and practical insights into the challenges facing our regional business landscape, fostering meaningful connections for the future, and underscoring the significance of our annual event.
Partner refers to independent attorney at law in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
