Category: Supply and distribution

08 May 2020
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National Assembly bids farewell to state of emergency and (some) emergency measures

Since the introduction of the state of emergency in Serbia on March 15, 2020, the Government issued a number of decrees restricting certain human rights and freedoms, such as freedom of assembly, and providing novel regulatory framework for functioning of the public sector, economy and judiciary during the state of emergency. While the primary goal of those measures was to protect public health, they also had the broader economic protection of citizens in mind, be it employees, unemployed persons or senior citizens.   However, the favorable epidemiological situation in Serbia enabled – and the needs of the economy necessitated – […]

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31 Mar 2020
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Serbia Unleashes Unprecedented EUR 5.1 Billion Aid Package

On March 31, 2020, the Serbian Government adopted a €5.1 billion program of support measures for the economy (the Serbian Program).  According to the Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali, who announced the measures earlier in the day “[the Serbian Program] is equivalent to half of the State budget and 11% of national GDP”. What makes it a legal rarity is that this is a precedent of ‘Covid-19 EU Association State aid’.  In other words, this is the first case of Covid-19 related measures and aid being introduced in an EU association country based on Article 107(b) and (c) of the […]

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26 Mar 2020
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COVID-19 outbreak: The activity of retail and catering facilities during the state of emergency

According to the official website which tracks the COVID-19 outbreak in the Republic of Serbia (“RS”), as of 3 pm on 24 March, a total of 303 COVID-19 infection cases were registered. Due to this, the Government of the RS adopted new measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including the Order on the prohibition of gathering in the RS in public places indoors. It prohibits public gatherings on the entire territory of the RS in indoor public places when more than 5 (five) persons are gathered at the same time. However, according to the instruction of the Serbian […]

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25 Mar 2020
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Coronavirus in Serbia: import of unregistered medicines and medical devices

Serbia is currently in the midst of a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  No area of healthcare has escaped the effects of the measures to combat the outbreak.  From the very outset, there was a rush on antiseptic, disinfectant, thermometers, protective masks and gloves in pharmacies and retail outlets, leading to shortages. It is only a matter of time before stocks of certain medicines being to run out. In this article, we look at what challenges lie ahead for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare institutions.  The EU has also recognized the need for health care measures, with special […]

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25 Mar 2020
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Restriction of movement in Bosnia and Herzegovina – two Entities with a common foe

Many states – if not all – have deemed it necessary to restrict citizens’ rights during the COVID-19 pandemic just to stay afloat. Typically, states opt to limit freedom of movement by placing certain categories of people under what effectively amounts to house arrest and imposing mandatory curfews on the rest, irrespective of age. In that regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina (“BH”) is no exception. While the Council of Ministers of BH declared a “state of natural or other disaster” in recognition of the danger posed by COVID-19, measures that would hopefully slow the advance of the virus were announced by […]

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20 Mar 2020
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COVID-19: EU Amends Regulation on Medical Equipment Export Controls: EFTA out, Western Balkans still in?

As announced (see above tweet thread here) by Commission trade head, Phil Hogan, the EU already amended its Regulation so as to exclude EFTA and a number of other countries.  However, EU enlargement countries, including EU candidate countries, such as Serbia and Montenegro, continue to be subject to extraordinary export controls for basic equipment necessary to combat the COVID-19 outbreak (press release available here). On March 15, 2020, European Commission approved a Regulation on the export authorization requirement for exports of personal protective equipment (PPE) outside of the European Union (available here). Adopted by urgency procedure, and followed by the Guidance […]

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COVID-19: Compare multiple jurisdictions across the globe with TerraLex

We are pleased to share the TerraLex Coronavirus Business Response Resource Center with you. It is a compilation of business solution resources from TerraLex members, some of the finest and best ranked firms, from around the globe relevant to contracts, labor, business continuity, etc. TerraLex and its members understand that in the rapidly evolving challenges posed by coronavirus and the prospect of recessionary times ahead, businesses are struggling with a variety of issues and looking to their trusted advisors for help. This Resource Center functions just like our cross-border guides. Visitors can select specific topics of interest and specific jurisdictions […]

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