Foreign investment screening is becoming an increasingly important consideration in cross-border transactions across Southeast Europe. Yet the regulatory landscape remains far from uniform – some jurisdictions have introduced comprehensive screening regimes, while others continue to rely primarily on sector-specific restrictions and approval mechanisms.
Our Competition & Antitrust Practice Group has published its new FDI Regime in Southeast Europe 2026, providing a practical comparative overview of the foreign direct investment rules across all 12 SEE Legal jurisdictions.
Designed as an at-a-glance reference for investors and their advisers, the publication compares the key features of each jurisdiction, including:
- investors and transactions in scope;
- filing thresholds and notification requirements;
- sensitive sectors;
- standstill obligations and review timelines;
- interaction with merger control;
- sanctions and consequences of non-compliance;
- the role of governmental and political bodies; and
- practical considerations for investors.
Rather than approaching FDI screening as a purely regulatory exercise, the guide highlights the issues that can have a direct impact on transaction structuring, timing and execution.
With screening regimes across the region continuing to develop, early identification of potential FDI requirements is becoming an increasingly important part of cross-border deal planning.