All posts by fletcher@cijeurope.com.

Homeownership Remains a Priority for Poles Despite Mortgage Concerns

The desire to own a home remains deeply rooted in Poland, with many households continuing to view property ownership as a long-term goal despite concerns about financing costs and housing affordability.

According to a recent study commissioned by ING Bank Śląski and conducted by Ipsos, 28% of Poles plan to purchase a house or apartment within the next decade. Among those considering a property purchase, 44% expect that a mortgage will be necessary to complete the transaction.

The research highlights the continued preference for ownership over renting. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they would rather repay a mortgage than pay rent, while more than three-quarters indicated that not having their own home would be a greater concern than taking on long-term debt associated with a housing loan.

Poland remains one of the countries with the highest rates of homeownership in Europe. According to the survey, approximately 87% of residential properties are owner-occupied, significantly above the European Union average. This preference for ownership continues to shape housing aspirations across different age groups, although attitudes vary between generations.

The survey found that younger adults place less emphasis on owning property than older generations, but homeownership remains an important objective for a majority of respondents aged 18 to 29. At the same time, many young adults continue to live with their parents well into adulthood, reflecting both economic realities and changing social attitudes.

More than half of respondents from Generation Z reported living with their parents, compared with around one-quarter of millennials. While financial constraints remain a factor, the study suggests that family relationships and shared living arrangements also influence housing decisions. Among young adults who continue to live at home despite having the financial means to move out, only a minority expressed a strong desire to establish an independent household immediately.

The findings point to broader demographic trends that could affect future housing demand. Poland’s population is ageing, and researchers note that housing choices made today may not always reflect future needs. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of prospective buyers currently consider how a property will accommodate them later in life.

The study also examined changing household structures. While 8% of Poles currently live alone, that figure is expected to increase over the coming decade. Among younger respondents, the proportion anticipating single-person households is even higher. These trends may influence demand for smaller residential units and developments designed to encourage social interaction and community engagement.

Satisfaction with housing conditions remains strongest among homeowners. More than seven in ten respondents who own their homes, whether mortgage-financed or fully paid off, reported being satisfied with their current living situation. Lower levels of satisfaction were recorded among tenants and adults still living with their parents.

The results underline the continuing importance of homeownership in Poland’s housing market, even as demographic change, affordability pressures and evolving lifestyle preferences reshape residential demand. For developers, lenders and policymakers, balancing these factors is likely to remain a central challenge as the market adapts to changing household needs.

Patron Capital and Trei Real Estate Sell Polish Retail Park Portfolio for Approximately €110 Million

Patron Capital and Trei Real Estate have completed the sale of a portfolio of six retail parks in Poland to a joint venture between Generali Investments CEE and SCF Investment Partners SICAV. The transaction value is approximately €110 million.

The portfolio comprises around 68,000 sqm of gross leasable area and includes retail parks located in Chorzów, Otwock, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Szczecin, Kostrzyn nad Odrą and Zambrów. All six properties are anchored by grocery retailers and focus on serving daily shopping needs in their respective catchment areas.

The assets were developed through a joint venture established in 2021 between Patron Capital’s Fund VI and Trei Real Estate. The partnership focused on the development of retail parks in regional Polish markets, targeting locations with demand for modern retail space and convenient access for local consumers.

The acquisition expands the retail portfolio of the purchasing joint venture formed by Generali Investments CEE and SCF Investment Partners SICAV, both active investors in the Central and Eastern European real estate market.

According to Patron Capital, retail parks have continued to attract investor interest due to stable occupier demand and their focus on everyday retail services. The format has demonstrated resilience in recent years as consumers increasingly favour accessible shopping destinations located close to residential areas.

Wiktor Lesinski, Investment Director and Partner at Patron Capital, said the transaction reflects both the performance of the assets and the continued attractiveness of the Polish retail park market. He noted that convenience-oriented retail schemes continue to benefit from changing consumer habits and a relatively limited supply of modern retail space in some regional locations.

Poland remains one of the largest retail investment markets in Central and Eastern Europe, with retail parks accounting for an increasing share of new retail development activity. Developers and investors continue to focus on regional cities and smaller urban centres, where demand for modern retail formats remains strong and development opportunities are still available.

The transaction represents one of the larger retail park portfolio sales in Poland this year and underlines continued investor appetite for income-producing retail assets with established tenant bases and exposure to everyday consumer spending.

Business Networks Face New Pressures as Companies Reassess Global Exposure

The way companies organize production, sourcing and distribution is undergoing a period of change as geopolitical developments increasingly influence business decisions. Political tensions, trade restrictions and regional conflicts are prompting businesses to look more closely at how their operations are structured and where potential vulnerabilities may exist.

Over the past decade, a series of events ranging from Brexit and the pandemic to the war in Ukraine and growing economic competition between major powers have exposed weaknesses in highly concentrated business networks. As a result, many companies are reconsidering long-established operating models that prioritized efficiency above all else.

Recent analysis suggests that businesses with activities spread across multiple regions have generally been better equipped to navigate periods of uncertainty than those heavily dependent on a small number of suppliers, production facilities or end markets. The findings reflect a broader shift in corporate thinking, where resilience is becoming an increasingly important factor in strategic planning.

The change is influencing decisions throughout the value chain. Companies are paying closer attention to where raw materials originate, where products are manufactured and how goods reach customers. For many organisations, reducing reliance on individual markets or supply routes has become an important objective.

This reassessment is also affecting investment and location decisions. Businesses are increasingly evaluating political stability, regulatory frameworks, transport connections and access to skilled labour alongside traditional cost considerations. The result is a growing preference for operational flexibility and geographic diversification.

Central and Eastern Europe continues to benefit from these developments. Countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia have strengthened their positions as manufacturing and logistics locations due to their proximity to major European consumer markets, established industrial bases and improving transport infrastructure. For companies seeking to serve Europe while reducing exposure to longer and more complex supply chains, the region remains an attractive option.

The impact can be seen across industrial and logistics real estate markets. Demand for warehouse and manufacturing space continues to be supported by occupiers seeking additional capacity, alternative distribution routes and locations that provide access to multiple markets. In many cases, businesses are expanding their networks rather than relying on a single production or distribution centre.

The shift is also changing how investors evaluate risk. In addition to financial performance, greater attention is being paid to the geographic distribution of operations and revenue streams. Companies with a broader operational footprint are often viewed as being better positioned to manage disruptions that could affect specific countries or regions.

At the same time, governments around the world are introducing policies aimed at strengthening domestic industries and securing access to strategic materials and technologies. These measures are contributing to a more complex international business environment and encouraging companies to review their long-term location strategies.

For the real estate sector, the trend is creating opportunities in markets that can offer stable operating conditions, modern infrastructure and access to regional and international transport networks. Industrial hubs, logistics corridors and locations with strong labour availability are expected to remain important destinations for occupier and investor interest.

While global trade and investment flows continue to evolve, one conclusion is becoming increasingly clear: decisions about where companies operate are no longer driven solely by cost and efficiency. The ability to adapt to political, economic and regulatory change is becoming a critical consideration, shaping the future direction of business networks and the property markets that support them.

Source: CIJ.World Research & Analysis Team

EQT Real Estate Completes Logistics Development Near Prague

EQT Real Estate has completed EQT Park Prague North, a logistics and light industrial development in Lužec nad Vltavou, located along the D8 motorway north of Prague. The project has received its occupancy permit and is available for lease.

The development provides 56,500 sqm of space across two buildings measuring 44,900 sqm and 11,600 sqm. The facilities have been designed for logistics, warehousing and light manufacturing operations.

The park is located within reach of Prague, northern Bohemia and transport corridors connecting the Czech Republic with Germany and Poland.

The buildings offer a clear height of 12 metres and floor loading capacity of seven tonnes per square metre. Space can be adapted to occupier requirements and is suitable for both single and multiple tenants.

The project includes a 320 kWp photovoltaic installation, LED lighting and a building management system that monitors energy consumption. The site has also been prepared for the future installation of additional solar panels, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and heat pumps. The development is currently undergoing BREEAM Excellent certification.

EQT Park Prague North is EQT Real Estate’s third logistics project in the Czech Republic. The company also owns logistics assets in Ostrava Mošnov and Nošovice, bringing its total logistics portfolio in the country to more than 300,000 sqm.

Marek Müller, Senior Director, Investment and Leasing, EQT Real Estate Czech Republic & Slovakia, said the location offers access to Prague, northern Bohemia and neighbouring international markets. He added that the company continues to seek investment and development opportunities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The project was developed in partnership with 7R Czech Republic, which was responsible for permitting and construction and remains involved in leasing activities.

According to Jiří Duchoň, Managing Director of 7R Czech Republic & Slovakia, the project was developed on a brownfield site and included infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area, including a new junction on the I/16 road and upgraded access to Lužec nad Vltavou.

The development also incorporates a rainwater management system and landscaping measures using native plant species. The project adds new logistics space to the Prague region and expands the supply of modern industrial facilities in one of the country’s key distribution locations.

Investors Look to Existing Buildings as Urban Regeneration Gains Momentum

The European real estate sector is witnessing growing interest in the redevelopment and modernization of existing buildings as investors seek opportunities beyond traditional new-build projects. Rising construction costs, limited availability of development land and increasing sustainability requirements are encouraging a greater focus on improving assets that are already part of the urban landscape.

While new developments continue to play an important role in meeting demand for housing and commercial space, a growing share of capital is being directed towards the transformation of older properties, former industrial sites and underutilized urban areas. Investors increasingly view these projects as a way to unlock value while responding to changing market conditions and environmental objectives.

The shift is becoming visible across a range of property sectors. In office markets, landlords are investing in upgrades to maintain competitiveness as occupiers place greater emphasis on building quality, energy performance and workplace amenities. In residential markets, institutional investors are expanding professionally managed rental housing portfolios that often rely on modernization and operational improvements to enhance tenant experience and long-term asset performance.

The trend is also supported by wider changes in urban development strategies. Many European cities face growing pressure to increase housing supply while making more efficient use of existing infrastructure. Redevelopment projects offer an opportunity to create new residential, commercial and mixed-use space within established urban areas rather than relying solely on outward expansion.

Recent fundraising activity highlights the increasing attention being paid to regeneration projects. Investors are backing strategies focused on transforming former industrial and brownfield locations into new urban districts that combine housing, workplaces, services and public spaces. The growing availability of capital for such projects suggests that regeneration is becoming an increasingly important segment of the investment market.

Technology is playing a supporting role in this transformation. Property owners are introducing systems that improve the operation and management of buildings without requiring major structural changes. Digital access solutions, building management platforms and tools that support the use of shared spaces are becoming more common across residential, office and mixed-use developments.

According to Maciej Grabowski, founder of Blue Bolt, occupier expectations are becoming increasingly similar across property sectors.

“In practice, we are seeing a gradual blurring of boundaries between real estate segments. Solutions that work well in office buildings are moving into residential projects, while functions traditionally associated with housing or hospitality are increasingly appearing in commercial assets,” he said.

The growing adoption of such solutions reflects changing expectations among tenants and residents, who increasingly value convenience, flexibility and ease of use regardless of the type of building they occupy.

The private rented sector is expected to be one of the areas where these changes become particularly visible. Institutional rental housing continues to expand across Poland and other Central European markets, creating demand for technologies and management systems that support larger residential portfolios. According to market estimates, the number of professionally managed rental apartments in Poland is expected to continue growing over the coming years as institutional investors increase their presence in the sector.

Sustainability considerations are also contributing to the focus on existing assets. Redeveloping and modernizing buildings can help reduce the environmental impact associated with demolition and new construction while improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles. As environmental regulations become more demanding and occupiers place greater importance on sustainable buildings, refurbishment is increasingly becoming part of long-term investment strategies.

“The way buildings are assessed is changing. Beyond location and design, investors and occupiers are paying more attention to how buildings function on a daily basis and how effectively they respond to user needs. Technology should support the building and its users rather than require major alterations to the property itself,” Grabowski added.

Although new construction will remain essential in many markets, the growing emphasis on upgrading existing assets suggests that redevelopment and modernization will play an increasingly important role in shaping European cities. For investors, owners and occupiers, the focus is gradually shifting from simply creating new space to improving the quality, efficiency and usability of buildings that already exist.

Slovakia’s Warehouse Sector Enters a More Competitive Phase

After several years in which available industrial and logistics space was limited and occupiers competed for new facilities, Slovakia’s warehouse market is showing signs of a changing balance. New developments continue to expand the country’s industrial footprint, while companies are taking a more measured approach to growth, creating a market where tenants have more options and landlords face increasing competition.

The first months of 2026 brought another wave of new warehouse and production facilities to the market, pushing Slovakia’s modern industrial stock close to the five-million-square-metre mark. At the same time, developers continue to build additional projects, ensuring that further capacity will be added during the remainder of the year.

Despite economic uncertainty across Europe, occupier activity remained relatively solid. Companies signed agreements for more than 129,000 sqm of industrial space during the first quarter, although a large proportion of this activity came from businesses choosing to remain in their existing premises rather than undertaking major expansion projects. This reflects a business environment in which operational efficiency and cost control are increasingly important considerations.

The automotive industry continues to play a decisive role in shaping demand. Slovakia remains one of Europe’s leading vehicle manufacturing locations, and the network of suppliers, logistics providers and production companies linked to the sector continues to generate requirements for both warehouse and manufacturing facilities. At the same time, companies are adapting to changes in vehicle technology, supply-chain structures and production strategies, factors that are influencing future real estate decisions.

Industrial activity remains concentrated in western Slovakia, where established transport infrastructure and proximity to major European markets continue to attract occupiers. The Bratislava region remains the country’s primary logistics hub, while Trnava, Nitra and Žilina benefit from their close links to manufacturing operations. Further east, Košice is gradually strengthening its position as an alternative location for companies seeking expansion opportunities and access to labour.

A growing amount of immediately available space has become one of the defining features of the market. Several projects completed over the past year entered operation without being fully occupied, increasing the number of options available to prospective tenants. Vacancy has risen to levels not seen for several years, although it remains within a range considered manageable by industry standards.

This increase in choice is beginning to influence commercial terms. Property owners are placing greater emphasis on attracting and retaining occupiers, while rental growth has slowed following the sharp increases experienced during the post-pandemic period. Although well-located, high-quality facilities continue to achieve premium pricing, the market is becoming more competitive overall.

Developers are also operating in a different environment. Higher financing costs and longer decision-making processes among occupiers mean that project planning requires greater caution. While construction activity remains active, the success of future developments will increasingly depend on location, building quality and the ability to meet evolving tenant requirements.

Investment interest in the sector remains comparatively strong. Industrial and logistics properties continue to attract capital from domestic and regional investors, supported by the long-term importance of manufacturing, trade and distribution activities within Central Europe. Investors remain particularly interested in modern assets with reliable occupiers and stable income streams.

Environmental performance is becoming another important factor influencing both occupiers and investors. Energy efficiency, lower operating costs and sustainable building features are now routinely included in development plans as companies seek to meet corporate environmental objectives and reduce long-term expenses.

The outlook for the remainder of 2026 will largely depend on how quickly the market absorbs the substantial amount of new space delivered over the past 18 months. Demand remains present, supported by manufacturing and logistics activity, but occupiers are making decisions more carefully than in previous years.

Rather than signalling a downturn, current conditions point to the maturation of a market that has undergone rapid expansion. Slovakia’s industrial property sector remains supported by strong economic fundamentals, but success is increasingly being determined by quality, efficiency and strategic location rather than by a simple shortage of available space.

Source: CIJ.World Research & Analysis Team

Survey Finds Nearly One in Five Czechs Has a Mortgage as Housing Demand Remains Strong

Nearly one in five Czechs currently has a mortgage, while a similar proportion expects to take out a home loan in the coming years, according to a new survey conducted by the Czech Banking Association (CBA) and Ipsos.

The research found that 18% of respondents currently hold a mortgage and a further 19% plan to apply for one in the future. Most borrowers use mortgage financing to purchase their primary residence, while a smaller share finance investment properties or housing for family members.

The survey suggests that demand for homeownership remains resilient despite rising property prices. Although many households continue to face affordability challenges, the proportion of people who have postponed plans to purchase a home has fallen compared with the previous year.

Respondents planning to take out a mortgage indicated an average loan requirement of CZK 3.16 million, an increase of more than CZK 500,000 compared with last year’s survey. More than a quarter of prospective borrowers expect they will need financing exceeding CZK 4 million.

The findings also highlight the growing financial burden associated with homeownership. Four out of ten households with a mortgage spend more than one quarter of their monthly net income on repayments, while almost one-third allocate at least 30% of their income to servicing housing debt.

Future borrowers appear prepared for similar commitments. According to the survey, around one-third of prospective applicants expect mortgage repayments to consume more than 40% of household income.

Most respondents planning to purchase property believe housing prices will continue rising over the next two years. This expectation is contributing to ongoing demand despite affordability concerns and elevated borrowing costs.

Survey data also indicates that family support is becoming increasingly important in helping younger buyers enter the housing market. Around one-third of future mortgage applicants expect financial assistance from a partner, parents or other family members. At the same time, inherited property is playing a larger role in housing ownership, with the share of respondents who acquired housing through inheritance increasing over recent years.

The broader mortgage market remains active. According to the latest CBA Hypomonitor data, banks and building societies provided CZK 52.6 billion in mortgage loans during May. While activity eased slightly compared with April, lending volumes remained substantially higher than a year earlier.

The average newly issued mortgage reached CZK 4.84 million in May, significantly above the average amount anticipated by prospective borrowers in the survey. This gap suggests many households may still underestimate the financial requirements associated with purchasing property in today’s market.

Housing prices continue to rise across the country. According to the ČSOB Housing Index, apartment prices increased by 12.5% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, while family house prices rose by 9.1%. Although growth has moderated compared with previous periods, housing values continue to outpace inflation and remain a key factor influencing purchasing decisions.

The survey results point to a housing market where demand remains strong despite affordability pressures. Expectations of further price growth, combined with limited housing supply and a continuing preference for homeownership, are encouraging many households to remain active in the market even as borrowing costs remain above the levels seen in previous years.

Source: CTK

European Property Markets Find Their Footing as Investors Refocus on Long-Term Opportunities

After several years marked by rising borrowing costs, valuation adjustments and reduced transaction activity, Europe’s commercial real estate sector is showing increasing signs of stability. Investment decisions are becoming easier to make, more transactions are reaching completion and a growing number of investors are returning to the market with capital ready to deploy.

The recovery is not occurring evenly across the continent, but the overall direction is becoming clearer. Major markets including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands continue to attract the largest share of investment activity, supported by their scale, transparency and depth of occupier demand. London remains Europe’s primary destination for global capital, while Madrid has strengthened its position among the continent’s most closely watched investment locations.

In Central and Eastern Europe, activity is gradually expanding beyond a small number of core markets. Prague continues to benefit from strong investor interest thanks to its limited supply of institutional-grade assets and broad buyer base. Poland remains the region’s largest market, while Romania and several South-East European countries are increasingly appearing on investors’ acquisition lists as they search for opportunities offering both income and growth potential.

One of the most notable shifts during 2026 has been the return of international buyers. For several years, many European markets were largely driven by domestic investors who were often better positioned to navigate uncertain conditions. Today, overseas capital is becoming more visible once again. Investment groups from North America, the Middle East and other global markets are actively assessing opportunities across Europe, contributing to greater competition for high-quality assets and increasing market activity.

Access to financing has also improved compared with the more difficult conditions experienced in recent years. While debt remains more expensive than during the previous decade, lenders have become more active and transaction processes more predictable. Investors are once again able to underwrite acquisitions with greater confidence, although uncertainty surrounding inflation, economic growth and geopolitical developments continues to influence decision-making.

Investor demand is increasingly focused on sectors supported by long-term structural trends. Residential property remains one of the most attractive areas of the market as many European cities continue to face housing shortages. Logistics facilities continue to benefit from changes in manufacturing and distribution networks, while healthcare properties are drawing interest due to Europe’s ageing population. Student accommodation, senior housing and other operational real estate sectors are also gaining momentum among institutional investors seeking stable and predictable income streams.

Technology is creating another area of growth. Facilities supporting cloud services, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure have become some of the most sought-after assets in Europe. Investor interest in these properties continues to rise, although development activity in certain markets is increasingly constrained by energy supply limitations and infrastructure requirements.

The office sector remains divided. Buildings that meet modern workplace expectations and environmental requirements continue to attract occupiers and investors, particularly in central business locations. Older properties face greater challenges and, in many cases, require substantial upgrades to remain competitive. As a result, many owners are investing in refurbishment programmes or exploring alternative uses where market conditions allow.

Environmental performance is becoming a more important factor in asset value and investment strategy. Properties capable of meeting evolving regulatory requirements and occupier expectations are generally attracting stronger demand, while less efficient buildings face increasing pressure to improve. This trend is reshaping investment decisions across every major property sector.

At the same time, technology is beginning to play a larger role in the way buildings are operated, analysed and managed. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to support decision-making, improve operational efficiency and help owners better understand tenant behaviour and building performance.

Despite improving market conditions, challenges remain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and fluctuating energy costs continue to influence investor sentiment. Many buyers remain highly selective, focusing on assets with strong fundamentals, reliable income and clear opportunities for long-term value creation.

What distinguishes the current environment from previous market cycles is the emphasis on discipline rather than rapid expansion. Investors are paying closer attention to asset quality, operational performance and future resilience. Rather than pursuing short-term gains, capital is increasingly targeting sectors and locations supported by demographic change, technological development and evolving occupier needs.

The European property market may not yet have returned to the levels of activity seen during previous peaks, but it has clearly moved beyond the period of uncertainty that followed the sharp shift in interest rates. The focus has shifted from market correction to market opportunity, creating the foundations for a more measured and sustainable phase of growth across the continent.

Source: CIJ.World Research & Analysis Team

Bulgaria Expands Competition Controls with New Pricing and Supply Chain Rules

Bulgaria has adopted a substantial overhaul of its competition legislation, introducing stricter oversight of market power, pricing practices and supply chain transparency. The amendments to the country’s Protection of Competition Act were approved by Parliament on 11 June 2026 and are awaiting promulgation in the State Gazette before entering into force.

The changes are among the most significant updates to Bulgarian competition policy in recent years and are expected to affect manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers across multiple sectors. While the legislation applies broadly across the economy, particular attention has been placed on food and agricultural supply chains amid ongoing concerns about inflation and consumer prices.

Joint Dominance Formally Recognised

One of the most notable reforms is the introduction of the concept of joint or collective dominance. Under the new framework, two or more independent companies may be considered jointly dominant when economic links or market interdependence enable them to behave to a significant extent independently of competitors, suppliers or customers and thereby weaken effective competition.

The legislation establishes a presumption of individual dominance for companies holding at least a 50% market share. A separate presumption of collective dominance applies when companies together account for at least 60% of a market. Once dominance is established, the companies concerned become subject to Bulgaria’s abuse-of-dominance rules.

New Restrictions on Excessive Pricing

The amendments introduce an explicit prohibition on excessively high prices charged by companies holding a monopoly position, a dominant position or a jointly dominant position. Parliament defined an excessive price as one that substantially exceeds economically justified production, acquisition and sales costs, including a reasonable profit margin, and is considered unfair either on its own merits or when compared with similar products or services.

The Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) will assess pricing using several benchmarks, including cost-based analysis, comparisons with similar products, historical pricing trends and the economic value of the goods or services concerned. Businesses will be able to defend higher prices where they can demonstrate objective economic justifications, such as increases in production costs, logistics expenses or external market pressures.

Violations may result in penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover.

Broader Controls on Food Supply Chains

The legislation also expands the list of prohibited unfair trading practices within the agricultural and food supply chain. New restrictions target practices such as imposing discriminatory commercial conditions on suppliers and demanding retroactive bonuses, discounts or payments that were not agreed at the time of delivery or are not linked to a clearly identifiable service.

The government argues that the measures are intended to improve fairness and transparency within food distribution channels, although several business organisations and foreign chambers of commerce have criticised the reforms, warning that they could increase administrative burdens and create uncertainty for investors.

Digital Registry to Track Agricultural Products

Another major element of the reform is the creation of a central electronic registry designed to monitor the movement of agricultural and food products through the supply chain. Importers, producers and distributors will be required to provide information on products entering the market and their subsequent wholesale distribution.

Authorities plan to use algorithmic analysis and artificial intelligence tools to identify potential indicators of market concentration, unfair trading practices and competition law violations. Regulatory agencies will have access to pricing and transaction data submitted to the system.

Failure to comply with reporting obligations may trigger substantial fines, including penalties linked to company turnover for repeat or serious breaches.

Further Guidance Expected

Several implementing measures are expected following the law’s entry into force. These include a methodology defining how excessive prices will be assessed and secondary legislation setting out the operational rules for the new supply chain registry. Technical specifications and implementation deadlines for the registry are expected to be published in the coming months.

The reforms form part of a broader effort by Bulgarian policymakers to address concerns over rising consumer prices and market concentration. However, the new rules have already sparked debate between lawmakers, regulators and business groups regarding their potential impact on competition, pricing freedom and investment conditions in the country.

Source: CMS

Fraport AG Leases 6,000 sqm at THE SQUAIRE in Frankfurt

Fraport AG has signed a lease for approximately 6,000 sqm of office space at THE SQUAIRE, the mixed-use commercial complex located at Frankfurt Airport. The company will occupy space on the eighth and ninth floors of the building.

The offices will accommodate employees from Fraport’s Central Infrastructure Management (ZIM) division, which is responsible for major construction projects, building services and maintenance activities across the airport.

According to Sonar Real Estate, the asset manager of THE SQUAIRE, the agreement further diversifies the tenant base at the property.

THE SQUAIRE is one of Germany’s largest mixed-use commercial buildings, providing around 140,000 sqm of leasable space. The property combines office, hotel, retail and food service uses, with offices accounting for the majority of the space. Existing occupiers include companies from sectors such as consulting, engineering, mobility and business services.

The building is directly connected to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport and sits above the airport’s long-distance rail station, providing access to Germany’s high-speed rail network. It is also positioned near major road connections, including the A3 motorway and the Frankfurter Kreuz interchange.

In addition to office and hotel facilities, the complex includes retail and restaurant units as well as a separate parking structure offering approximately 2,500 parking spaces. The parking facility is linked to the main building via an automated shuttle system and includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The transaction reflects continued demand for office space in locations with direct access to major transport infrastructure, particularly among occupiers whose operations are closely connected to airport activities.

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