Serbia

November, 2025 Gecić Law proudly celebrates a major triumph at The Lawyer European Awards 2025, winning the distinguished title of Law firm of the Year South Eastern Europe for the third time.  The ceremony at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House brought together Europe’s most influential legal practitioners, and Gecić Law once again stood out as one of the continent’s most dynamic and progressive firms.  This victory reinforces our position at the forefront of legal innovation while marking yet another milestone in our long-running story of growth and excellence. A Year of Recognition That Speaks Volumes The 2025 awards mark the eighth consecutive year that Gecić Law has earned finalist status — a rare and notable achievement, especially for an independent firm from the CEE and Balkan region.  This consistency underscores our expanding influence and unwavering commitment to quality across every aspect of our work. Winning the award for the third time adds a powerful new milestone to this legacy.  It highlights the firm’s achievements and leadership role in shaping the region’s legal and business environment.  The award honors our team that continues to deliver bold, innovative, sophisticated, and strategically important cross-border work.  Gecić Law has become a firm that surprises, inspires, and consistently outperforms expectations. A Narrative of Strength, Innovation, and Vision This year’s success stands on the shoulders of earlier achievements.  We celebrated wins in 2020 and 2021, we made history in 2022 with the largest number of nominations of any firm across Europe, and we continued to demonstrate excellence in 2023 and 2024 with multi-category finalist recognition.  The 2025 victory amplifies this long-term momentum and signals a law firm that continues to grow in sophistication, insight, and strategic capacity.  Reaching the finals in both nominated categories further elevates the significance of the win.  It shows that Gecić Law’s capabilities extend far beyond a single area of expertise — they span across the continent, industries, and disciplines. Aditionally, the award comes at an especially important moment in our European expansion.  This year we established our Brussels office, which has positioned us as the only independent CEE and Balkan firm with a permanent presence at the heart of EU decision-making.  This strategic expansion continues to elevate our ability to deliver value in matters with European-wide implications.   Founding Partner Bogdan Gecić on the Victory “We are immensely proud of this achievement,” said Bogdan Gecić. “Winning this award reflects the extraordinary drive, creativity, and discipline of our team. Being shortlisted in both categories shows how broad and deep our capabilities have become. This recognition encourages us to aim even higher as we continue shaping the future of legal practice in Southeast Europe and throughout the EU.” A Stage That Highlights Europe’s Best The Lawyer European Awards carry immense prestige within the global legal community.  Corporations such as L’Oréal, Citi, Siemens, Shell, and Nestlé contribute judges who evaluate firms based on innovation, strategic clarity, operational excellence, and cross-border capability.  Winning Law firm of the Year South Eastern Europe on this stage demonstrates that Gecić Law ranks among Europe’s most forward-thinking and impactful law firms.   This achievement marks another step in our extraordinary journey — one defined by ambition, resilience, and a vision of excellence that resonates far beyond our region. With renewed momentum, Gecić Law continues shaping the future of the European legal landscape.  

1 October, 2025 Gecić Law is glad to announce its integral role in supporting a significant financial transaction involving the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Enterprise Expansion Fund II (ENEF II), and Meter & Control, a Serbian company specializing in smart energy metering systems.  This strategic loan aims to boost Meter & Control’s growth, enhance its production capacity, and support its green transition. EBRD and ENEF II Support for Serbian Smart Metering Innovator In a deal valued at €9.1 million, EBRD and ENEF II have committed to a loan to expand Meter & Control.  The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge smart energy metering systems and software.   With support from EBRD and ENEF II, Meter & Control is expanding its production capacity and automation capabilities.  This positions the company as a regional leader in the smart metering sector. As local counsel to EBRD and ENEF II, Gecić Law provided comprehensive legal services.  Our Banking & Finance team ensured the smooth preparation and execution of all legal documents and processes, from legal due diligence to contract review and compliance with Serbian mandatory law.  Additionally, we prepared the necessary security documents, such as mortgages and pledges.  Our counsel on this transaction underscores our commitment to supporting regional growth, sustainability, and green investment. The Gecić Law team comprised Partner Miodrag Jevtić, Counsel Miloš Petaković and Associates Uroš Rajić and Dušan Jablan. Enhancing the Green Economy with Circular Economy Support The funding, part of the European Union’s Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), aligns with the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) principles.  It aims to strengthen Meter & Control’s capacity to drive energy efficiency through smart grid technologies. Smart meters play a crucial role in transforming energy infrastructures, helping utilities and consumers manage energy use more efficiently. This project is particularly timely for the Western Balkans, where the need for enhanced resource and energy efficiency is becoming increasingly urgent. Gecić Law’s Ongoing Support to EBRD and ENEF II This transaction is another example of Gecić Law’s ongoing dedication to supporting the EBRD and ENEF II in their development projects. In addition to our work on the Meter & Control financing, we have provided legal counsel on other major projects, including the €9 million financing for Silbo, Serbia’s largest cold chain food distributor, and the financing agreement for the expansion of Vega IT, a leading Serbian software development company.  Our close collaboration with EBRD and ENEF II reflects our commitment to fostering the growth of innovative, sustainable businesses in the region. About EBRD and ENEF II Fund The EBRD stands as the foremost institutional investor in Serbia, having invested over €10.2 billion to date.  The Bank’s priorities in Serbia include boosting private-sector competitiveness, advancing the green economy transition, and developing sustainable infrastructure. ENEF II is a fund dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.  Through a co-investment partnership with the EBRD and backed by the European Union, CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti), KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau), and Banca Intesa, ENEF II aims to provide SMEs with the capital and guidance they need to scale their operations and achieve long-term, sustainable growth.  It builds upon the achievements of its predecessor, ENEF, which helped numerous companies in the region expand and thrive. About Meter & Control Meter & Control is a leading Serbian company at the forefront of smart energy metering solutions.  Specializing in the design and production of advanced metering systems, Meter & Control also focuses on software development.  The company enhances energy efficiency through its innovative products.  Their solutions play a key role in modernizing energy infrastructure in the Western Balkans.  These contribute to the development of smart grids.  These improve the management of energy use for both consumers and utility companies.

June, 2025 Powered by Gecić Law, in cooperation with the Responsible Business Hub of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, GIZ Serbia, and the Institute for Global Solidarity, the first Regional Conference on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was held in Belgrade.  The event brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, the business community, international organizations, and experts to examine the implications of the EU CBAM regulation for the countries of the Western Balkans.  The conference focused on the latest EU initiative to simplify the CBAM framework, the challenges and opportunities the mechanism presents for export-oriented economies in the region, and possibilities for regulatory alignment and cooperation at the regional and international levels. In her opening remarks, the Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, emphasized that, “Together, we must balance climate ambition and stability, ensuring economic fairness and regional prosperity.  CBAM must not become a barrier separating Europe from the Western Balkans but rather a bridge facilitating Serbia’s successful green transition and deeper integration into the European family.  Let us be partners on this European journey toward a carbon-neutral future—supported and encouraged,” said the Minister, adding that “A share of CBAM revenues should be allocated to Serbia and its regional neighbors to finance decarbonization, industrial modernization, and workforce reskilling. This would promote continued economic stabilization in the region.”, adding that “to this end, a share of CBAM revenues should be allocated to Serbia and its regional neighbors to finance decarbonization, industrial modernization, and workforce reskilling.  This would promote continued economic stabilization in the region.” Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, highlighted the importance of joint action and knowledge exchange.  “CBAM currently applies to companies in the sectors of steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, and electricity, but it may soon include the chemical and petrochemical industries, and over time, other sectors and their suppliers as well.  That is why it is important that we use this conference as an opportunity for governments, economies, and experts to jointly define the best responses and strategies.  CBAM is not just a cost and an obstacle, but also an opportunity for investment in the green transition, modernization of production, improvement of energy efficiency, and maintaining access to key markets.  It is also a chance to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate economic development within the framework of the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans,” Čadež noted. Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner at Gecić Law, stressed that timely information and preparedness are vital for the business sector.  “CBAM is not just the world’s first carbon-based tariff — it is a transformative policy tool that will reshape the very foundation of international trade.  For the Western Balkans, its significance goes even deeper: it will fundamentally alter how we trade with the European Union, our most important economic partner.  From now on, trade history will be distinguished as either before or after CBAM.  The responsibility now lies with us to ensure that all stakeholders are equipped to navigate this shift and seize the opportunities it presents,” said Gecić. Delphine Sallard, Senior Advisor at the European Commission’s CBAM team, explained in detail the recently proposed simplification of the CBAM Regulation under the Omnibus Package.  “Proposed simplifications include a new CBAM de minimis threshold to exclude small EU importers with low emissions and reduce overall compliance cost, but ensuring that at least 99% of emissions remain in scope. The reform will also allow for the use of default carbon prices to facilitate the claim of a reduction for an effective carbon price paid in a third country and exclude the manufacturing processes of aluminum and steel downstream goods from the boundaries of the calculation of emissions,” Sallard stated.  Proposed simplifications also include the removal of conditions on the use of default values for the calculation of embedded emissions and extended deadlines for submission of CBAM declaration and surrendering of certificates. The thematic panels attracted particular attention, providing a comprehensive insight into the challenges and opportunities the EU CBAM presents for the region.  The panels addressed key issues — ranging from the administrative and technical challenges faced by companies outside the EU to the impact of CBAM on sectors within its scope, as well as potential strategic and legislative responses of Western Balkan countries.  Among the panelists were representatives of European institutions, the business sector, and legal experts, who emphasized the importance of regional coordination and the availability of technical support. For further information on the panels and panelists, please visit: CBAM Belgrade 2025 | powered by Gecić Law The conclusion of the conference was clear: a unified and strategic approach by the region is essential to maintaining competitiveness and ensuring a successful transition toward sustainable business practices. The Western Balkans must act now.  There is no time to lose.

1 August, 2025 Gecić Law proudly announces the soft launch of its new office in Brussels, establishing a historic foothold in the capital of the European Union.  With this step, the firm becomes the first independent law firm from Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans to open a permanent office in Brussels – marking a significant milestone in our growth and our region’s deeper integration with EU legal and regulatory frameworks. Located at Avenue des Arts 56, the Brussels office will serve as a strategic bridge between Southeast Europe and the EU, enhancing our capacity to support clients in competition law, regulatory compliance, ESG, artificial intelligence, and other rapidly evolving fields at the European level. “We’re the first independent law firm from the CEE and the Balkans to plant a flag here,” said Bogdan Gecić, Founding Partner at Gecić Law. “And if history is a guide, first‑movers tend to stay ahead of the curve.” A World-Class Leader at the Helm We are honored to introduce Anne MacGregor as the Head of our Brussels Office. Anne brings more than 30 years of experience in EU law and is internationally recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Antitrust by Global Competition Review.  Her exceptional track record in competition, trade, and regulatory law will ensure that Gecić Law’s Brussels offering is world-class from day one. Anne’s appointment reflects our enduring commitment to delivering elite legal counsel grounded in both expertise and proximity.  Her leadership will guide our clients through complex EU processes and policy changes with unmatched precision. A Milestone for the Region The launch of our Brussels office reinforces Gecić Law’s pioneering spirit.  From being the first firm in the region to launch dedicated ESG and AI legal practices, to now becoming the first to establish an independent office in the EU capital, we continue to shape what it means to practice law in Southeast Europe. This expansion is not just about geography—it’s about vision.  It’s about our belief that businesses and governments across the Western Balkans deserve access to the highest quality legal support, grounded in local understanding and empowered by global insight. A Soft Launch Ahead of a Grand Celebration Today’s announcement marks the beginning of operations in Brussels through an intimate soft launch with our leadership and team.  A broader grand opening event is scheduled for Autumn 2025, which will welcome clients, partners, media, and institutional stakeholders to formally inaugurate the office. Until then, our Brussels presence is fully operational and ready to assist clients on all EU-related matters.