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Peter specializes in competition law, selected regulatory matters, and administrative law. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients from a broad range of industries, including automotive, banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, print media publishing, television broadcasting, retail, and construction materials manufacturing, among others.

Notably, Peter was the first attorney in Slovakia to file a leniency application and the first to apply a conditional merger clearance decision based on the EU model issued by the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (PMÚ). He has extensive experience representing clients during inspections and cartel investigations conducted by the PMÚ, advising on complex merger control proceedings, and handling cases involving dominance issues.

Peter graduated from the Faculty of Law at Charles University in Prague. He subsequently spent more than a decade at a leading British law firm, followed by serving as a partner at a prominent local law firm. Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has advised many high-profile clients and has consistently been recognized in the Chambers Europe rankings for his work in the field of Competition/Antitrust law.

At BBH, Peter will continue to leverage his deep expertise to support the firm's clients and contribute to the growth and development of the Bratislava office.

"I look forward to the challenges my new position will bring. I am eager to contribute to and support BBH’s outstanding team of lawyers with my experience and knowledge. I will do my utmost to help drive the further development and growth of BBH’s Bratislava office, while maintaining the first-class quality of legal services for which BBH is renowned," said Peter Oravec.

BBH Bratislava welcomes Peter to its team and looks forward to a successful collaboration.

Epravo, on 30.4.2025: https://www.epravo.sk/top/aktualne/peter-oravec-novym-spolupracujucim-advokatom-bbh-advokatska-kancelaria-sro-6362.html

TREND - online - on 06.05.2025

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BBH, advokátní kancelář

What remains unchanged?

Despite several significant changes, many legal instruments of construction remain the same. For example, a municipality remains the building authority. However, municipalities are now allowed to establish a joint building authority. To ensure professional state administration in construction, even for small municipalities, it is mandated that each building authority must have at least two employees who meet specific educational and practical qualification requirements.

The key definitions of minor and simple construction, which determine the regime for the preparation, permitting and realization of a given construction, remain in the act, but the definition of these terms is being changed and clarified, as discussed in more detail below.

The definitions of structures, buildings, and engineering structures remain unchanged, but a new definition for a complex of structures has been introduced, which affects the approval process of construction plan.

The validity periods of decisions also remain largely the same: the decision on a construction plan is valid for two years, for linear structures and designated buildings for three years, and for information constructions and prefabricated products for one year from the date of legal validity, unless a longer period is specified by the authority. The decision does not expire if a request for project verification is submitted within these periods. The decision on a construction plan loses validity when the verification clause expires, which is valid for two years unless a longer deadline for construction commencement is set.

What is new?

One of the most discussed changes is the merging of zoning and building permit procedures into a single construction plan approval process. Going forward, construction will be approved through a single procedure.

A single procedure is also introduced for a complex of structures. Previously, developers had to go through multiple partial building permit processes for each structure separately; now, they will obtain a decision on the entire complex in one process. The relevant building authorities, which would normally decide on individual structures, will now have the status of an affected authority and provide binding opinions within in this proceeding. The building authority responsible for the main structure will decide on the construction plan. The decision-making process will also cover necessary modifications, infrastructure relocations, and network adjustments.

Definitions of various types of structures have been redefined, which in some cases simplifies the preparation, approval, and realization of construction.

The new act further thoroughly specifies and distinguishes the responsibilities and accountability of various entities involved in construction, such as the developer, contractor, designer, construction supervisor, site manager, and surveyor. Responsibility for proper construction execution no longer rests solely with the developer but extends to other entities based on their roles, with corresponding sanctions.

To eliminate delays in building permit procedures under previous regulations, the new Construction Act introduces several measures against inactivity.

For example, to address slow issuance of binding opinions in previous construction procedures, the act introduces the presumption of consent if the affected authority or affected entity does not respond to a construction plan within the legal deadline.

For issuing binding opinions on a structure’s compliance with zoning documentation, the Planning Ac[2]t applies, and the presumption of consent is also introduced in this case. However, the planning authority has an additional opportunity to request a review from the Planning Office[3], but no later than before a decision on the construction plan is issued or a compliance certificate is granted.

Similarly, in the case of notification, if the building authority does not issue a verification clause within 30 days of receiving the notification, the project is deemed verified. This does not apply, for example, if construction work is planned in on public land or less than 2 meters of a property border.

To combat prolonged building permit procedures, the new legislation also stipulates that if a building authority fails to issue a decision within the deadline, the developer will be refunded the administrative fee.

Another measure against inactivity grants the Planning Office the authority to appoint a different building authority to take over the case if the originally designated authority remains inactive for at least 90 days. However, since no deadline for this appointment is set, it remains to be seen how effectively this will be enforced.

Based on established practices in removing unauthorized billboards that create visual pollution in cities, the law also regulates the removal of unauthorized information structures by notification. This provision extends to unauthorized land modifications, prefabricated products, and outdoor adjustments.

The law introduces new legal remedies for developers, such as filing a petition for review against the rejection of a notification or the return of a project verification request.

Beyond procedural reforms and new legal instruments, the law also aims to digitize and streamline administrative processes related to construction. Consequently, the construction approval process will gradually transition to digital platforms. Applications for building permits must be submitted electronically via an information system, but this requirement will only take effect on March 31, 2029, and will not apply to private individuals.

Finally, the law addresses a common practice where developers build first and seek retroactive approval later. Under the new legislation, this will no longer be possible, meaning that structures built without permits will have to be demolished. However, if the owner submits an application between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2029, the structure may still be approved under the old construction act.

Sanctions for unauthorized construction work and other violations are also becoming stricter.

A crucial change for construction businesses is that carrying out realization of constructions will no longer be an unregulated trade license but a regulated one. As a result, businesses facing stricter qualification requirements for operating a construction business must demonstrate compliance with the professional competency requirements to the relevant trade authority by March 31, 2029.

Minor constructions and notification under the new act

The new act redefines minor constructions that do not require notification, except for specific exceptions stipulated by law, such as when the structure is planned on public land or less than 2 meters from a property border.

Specifically, no notification is required for the installation of photovoltaic panels or heat pumps up to 50 kW, the construction of charging stations up to 22 kW, opaque fencing up to 1.6 m in height, or transparent fencing up to 2 m.

Likewise, construction modifications such as roof replacement, facade repairs, or replacement of gas network pipelines, public water supply, and public sewage systems do not require notification, provided the route and protective zone remain unchanged.

On the other hand, minor constructions such as summer kitchens, sheds, garages, shelters, or sports facilities must be notified if they are connected to the ground and their built-up area does not exceed 50 m² and a height of 5 m. Similarly, underground structures like cellars or pools must be notified if their built-up area does not exceed 25 m² and a depth of 3 m.

Although such constructions require notification, the law provides a simplified process. The administrative reliefs include a simplified scope of project documentation, which does not have to be prepared by an authorized civil engineer or architect. The builder can self-realize the construction, no formal administrative procedure for the construction plan is required, and the construction is not subject to final inspection (occupancy approval).

Property owners of neighboring properties do not provide opinions on notifications unless the construction involves aboveground or underground electronic communication networks or gas facilities. However, the urban planning authority issues a binding opinion on the notification.

The notification process typically involves project verification within 30 days, resulting in an approval clause. However, the building authority may determine that the construction can only proceed based on a formal construction plan decision. If the building authority fails to verify the construction within the prescribed period, the verification is deemed automatically granted. This does not apply to specific exceptions defined by law, such as when the work is carried out on public land or less than 2 meters from a property boundary.

Once verified, the construction work must commence within 3 years, with no possibility of extending this deadline.

Additionally, for self-built constructions, a construction supervisor must oversee the construction process.

However, not every building under 50 m² qualifies as a minor construction. If it meets the statutory criteria, it is classified as a simple structure, subject to the standard permitting regime. For example, residential buildings up to 300 m² (including those with a footprint of up to 50 m²) are considered simple structures, requiring a complete project, a construction plan decision, project verification, and final inspection (occupancy permit). This also applies to recreational buildings (cottages), charging stations for electric vehicles over 22 kW, and facilities for generating electricity, heat, or cooling from renewable sources exceeding 100 kW.

Construction plan proceedings

Under the new law, applications for construction plan proceedings must be submitted electronically. However, as noted above, this requirement will only take effect from March 31, 2029, and does not apply to individuals.

The new act replaces the previous zoning and building procedures with one construction plan proceedings. Before submitting an application, the builder or their designated project designer must consult on the construction plan by making the project documentation available in the information system and requesting binding opinions from the urban planning authority and affected authorities and affected entities.

The outcome of this consultation is a consultation report, which, along with the construction plan or construction plan together with the construction project, serves as the basis for the construction plan decision.

During the consultation process, affected authorities and affected entities may request a review of the construction project and propose modifications. In such cases, the builder or project designer must subsequently obtain a compliance clause, which must be issued within a specified deadline. If the relevant authority or entity fails to issue a response within this deadline, compliance is presumed.

Once the consultation process is complete, the builder may submit an application for construction plan proceedings, attaching the consultation report, construction plan, and, as the case may be, its elaborated version – construction project.

Unlike the previous regulations, construction plan proceedings do not require an oral hearing or on-site inspection.

This change results in shorter decision timelines, as the building authority must decide within 30 days if no hearing or inspection is required. Otherwise, the deadline is 60 days from the submission of a complete application, and 90 days for reserved buildings, linear structures, projects with a high number of participants, or cases requiring expert assessments.

However, unlike binding opinions and comments, the law does not establish an automatic fiction mechanism if the building authority fails to issue a decision within the prescribed period.

In addition to approving a construction plan, the building authority may also issue a decision rejecting the application.

The law explicitly regulates the amendment or revocation of a construction plan decision. This includes extending the validity of  the decision, prolonging the construction timeline, or modifying the duration of temporary structures.

Contact

If you need advice on the new construction legislation, feel free to contact our experts at: office@bbh.sk or by phone at: +421 2 2086 1020.

 Roman's time at BBH has seen him excel in high-profile acquisition projects across various industries. He's also been instrumental in numerous real estate transactions and has consistently represented creditors in court proceedings, insolvency cases, and dispute resolution efforts. Over the past decade, Roman has represented some of the BBH's most prominent clients, who value his ability to provide strategic legal advice while understanding all business implications.

Roman is equally thrilled about his new role, saying, "I'm glad I can continue my career at BBH as a Partner. My focus will be on further developing and growing BBH's Bratislava office, all while upholding BBH's renowned commitment to delivering top-quality legal services to our clients."

Join us in congratulating Roman on his new position and look forward to BBH's continued success with his contributions!

Trend, on 13.2.2024 https://www.trend.sk/

epravo, on 9.2.2024 https://www.epravo.sk/top/aktualne/

The new CCD regulates in detail the institute of deferred payments for goods and services („buy now-pay
later“). Only offers made by the sellers of goods or services without the intervention of a third party offering
credit will remain outside the consumer credit regime, and such deferred payments must now be completely
free (without interest) for the buyer. If the deferred payment does not meet these parameters, it will be
considered a consumer credit arrangement with all of the obligations that this entails. In this case, the seller is
considered to be a consumer credit intermediary.

The CCD also introduces stricter rules on the advertising and marketing of consumer credit. Tying credit to
other products or services, pre-ticked boxes in sales agreements, unsolicited offers or inducing consumers to
take on debt will not be allowed.

The CCD further sets out a clear mechanism to prevent making such credit disproportionately more expensive
for borrowers. The provider will now be obliged to proceed with the recovery of loans they have issued at an
early stage of default in order to reduce the risk of the imposition of foreclosure on the consumer.

The assessment of creditworthiness by the provider will change significantly, as well. The creditor will only be
allowed to grant credit if the outcome of the assessment is positive. Where the assessment is based on
automated processing, consumers will now have the right to request an explanation of the assessment and
dispute it.

The information provision obligations of the provider prior to the conclusion of online consumer credit
agreements are also regulated in more detail, including that they will have to be clear and legible even from
the screen of mobile phones.

The CCD is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the EU early next year. Member States will then
have two years by which to transpose the new Regulation into their national law.

For more detailed information on the Consumer Credit Regulation and other related issues, please contact us
at legal@bbh.cz, +420 234 091 355, or directly through our specialized team at the contact information listed below.

BBH Team

Zdeněk Husták, Partner
e-mail: zhustak@bbh.cz, tel.: +420 234 355

Tomáš Sedláček, Partner
e-mail: tsedlacek@bbh.cz, tel.: +420 234 355

Adam Nečas, Senior Lawyer
e-mail: anecas@bbh.cz, tel.: +420 234 355

BBH has successfully retained its Tier 2 rating in the following practice areas - Banking & Finance, M&A, Capital Markets: Debt and Restructuring/Insolvency. In addition, BBH has been newly ranked in Capital Markets: Equity as a Tier 3 firm.

Partners Zdeněk Husták, Petr Přecechtěl, Robert Klenka and Vladimír Uhde received the ‚Highly Regarded‘ rating in individual IFLR1000 rankings.

Notably, Andrea Adamcová was newly recognised as ‚Rising Star Partner‘ and Kristýna Živanská as ‚Rising Star‘ for their exceptional performance in helping our clients.

Tomáš Sedláček yet again maintained his unique recognition as ‚Market Leader‘.

The complete ranking of BBH in the 2023 edition can be found HERE.

BBH was listed as Top Law Firm on the Czech Market by prestigious magazine Forbes. Out of 20 top ranking law firms in the Czech Republic, BBH was further selected as one of the most sought-after firms in the areas of M&A, Banking and Finance and Dispute Resolution.

Many thanks to Forbes Česko for their recognition and hat off to other distinguished colleagues!

Individually outstanding lawyers include František Honsa, Robert Klenka, Tomáš Politzer, Tomáš Sedláček, Petr Mlejnek, Kateřina Winterling Vorlíčková, Petr Přecechtěl, Zdeněk Husták, Vladimír Uhde, Andrea Adamcová, Matěj Manderla and Petr Vošahlík.

Many thanks to all of our clients for their much appreciated feedback!

Find the complete overview on the website of Legal 500 HERE

Founding partner František Honsa was ranked as Eminent Practitioner in the Dispute Resolution area for the fourth year running as well as in the Most in Demand Arbitrator category.

Other BBH lawyers recognized in the Chambers and Partners Europe 2023 Individual Ranking were also successful. Vladimír Uhde succeeded in the Dispute Resolution (Band 2) and Dispute Resolution - Arbitration (Band 3) categories, Robert Klenka in Insolvency & Restructuring (Band 2) and Dispute Resolution (Band 4), Petr Přecechtěl in Mergers & Acquisitions (Band 3) and Tomáš Sedláček in Banking & Finance (Band 4) and Capital Markets (Band 3). These lawyers and areas were also evaluated in the Global 2023 category.

„In the past years, we have been able to successfully grow, be it in the financial volume of services or the level of clients. The diligent work of these new partners has been a great contribution to that result. Andrea, Matěj and Petr all started at BBH as student paralegals and their advancement into partnership evidences the personal development that BBH enables. We greatly appreciate that in the recent years all of them have gained the respect of their peers and clients in their relevant areas of our practice: Andrea in M&A and related Financing, Matěj in Restructuring and Contract Law and Petr in Litigation and Arbitration,“ comments BBH Managing Partner, Petr Mlejnek.

Over her more than 15 years of practice, Andrea Adamcová has gained significant experience in banking and financial law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law and has worked on a number of major financing projects, including the structuring of a number of syndicated, club and bilateral loans, representing leading Czech and foreign companies and institutions, on both the creditor and debtor side, in a number of cases exceeding tens of billions of Czech crowns. Andrea further worked on a number of the most important acquisition transactions that have taken place on the Czech and international markets and the creation of a number of important joint ventures, private equity funds and further cross-border structures for BBH clients.

Andrea graduated from the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague and speaks and works in Czech, Slovak and English.

Matěj Manderla has been specializing in Commercial and Civil Law for almost a decade and focuses on contract law, insolvency law, litigation, telecommunications and media law and energy law. Matěj thus provides key legal advisory for investment groups and takes part in the structuring, financing and acquisition of the investments themselves, with a further focus on distressed assets. One case in point, Matěj worked as a telecommunications law expert in representing PPF Group in its acquisition of O2 Telefónica.

Matěj is a graduate of the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague and speaks and works in Czech and English.

Petr Vošahlík has been with BBH since 2013, focusing on representing clients in arbitration and court proceedings and is a listed arbitrator with the Arbitration Court attached to the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic and the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, the Vienna International Arbitral Center (VIAC) and is a member of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS). Petr has extensive experience in advising clients in international arbitrations under the VIAC, ICC, DIS, LCIA rules before the Arbitration Court of the CCCR and the ACCR and other significant arbitral institutions. In particular, Petr deals with post-M&A disputes and damages claims, including suits for lost profit with an emphasis on the real-estate development, telecommunications and healthcare industries. In addition, Petr also concentrates on the area of Private International Law and handles Criminal Law and defense. Petr was also involved as an external associate of the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague, where he participated in teaching arbitration and advocacy skills.

Petr graduated from the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague and advises clients in the Czech, English and German languages.