WALLESS

This year, the annual constitutional legal policy seminar brought together lawyers from various professions, state legal policymakers, and other interested parties in Ratnieki to discuss the limits of freedom of speech during wartime. WALLESS partner Sandis Bērtaitis had the honor of joining the thoughtful discussions. Thanks to all the experts involved for their insightful contributions. #consitutionallaw #freedomofspeech

Medical law and Health Data Protection: tune in to Kuku Radio's "Therapeutic Legal Stories," where Maret Kruus, WALLESS medical law expert, unpacks the complex world of patients' rights and healthcare institutions' obligations regarding health data processing. Maret also introduced the upcoming patient insurance system, set to launch in November, and discussed proposed changes to end-of-life patient directives. The radio show is available in Estonian here: https://shorturl.at/r8uH6. #kukuraadio  #healthcare #healthDataProtection #healthData #insurance 

Estonia has a new Government, whose planned tax increases are fuelling passions. Ärileht, the business section of one of the Estonian leading news portal Delfi, asked WALLESS tax counsel Ivo Vanasaun's opinion on the plan for taxation of corporate profits: https://rb.gy/1mrswx (in Estonian). In fact, the situation is even more complicated. The new Government expects to introduce the new tax at the beginning of 2026 and to collect 208 million euros tax on profits already in the same year. In fact, the corporate profits will be finally determined a year later, and the first receipt of the tax can be expected rather in 2027. #tax #finance #taxLaws #WallessTax

Starting in 2025, Lithuania will increase its Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate from 15% to 16%, and the reduced rate from 5% to 6%. This change will also affect certain withholding tax rates and potential tax obligations of companies in free economic zones. These amendments are intended to finance the State's Defence Fund. On the bright side, they can enhance the value of properly applied CIT incentives. Stay safe, be prepared! #WallessTaxCookies #tax #WallessTax 

Principles for creating sustainable, safe, and pedestrian-friendly streets for the future will be provided in the Estonian Street Guide (Eesti Tänavagiid). From a legal perspective, it may become part of best construction practices. This guide, commissioned by the Kliimaministeerium / Ministry of Climate of Estonia will be developed by 16 experts from various fields. Angela Kase, counsel at WALLESS, is participating in the work of the Estonian Street Guide team. We are happy to contribute to an initiative that will be a practical tool for modern city space creation and contribute to a cleaner environment. Find more information (in Estonian) here: https://rb.gy/ozckji #Tänavagiid #CitiesForPeople #UrbanDesign #Sustainability

The new issue of the RUP magazine has been published, in which our associate Allan All talks about the rules that apply to the use of photos and videos: https://rb.gy/7fnruh (Article in Estonian). If you take photos or film people, you must comply with personal data processing requirements:  • For personal use, such as sharing family photos with friends, the rules are simpler. However, for posting on social media (e.g., FB, Instagram, TikTok), you generally need the consent of the person in the photo or a legitimate interest. • Publishing photos of children is a particularly sensitive issue, where consent must be given by the parents. • When photographing at public events, participants must be informed and given the opportunity to avoid being photographed. Additionally, matters related to copyright are also important – always ask the photo author for permission! Read more and protect your rights!   #gdpr #dataprotection #copyright

We're happy to share that our clients' trust has helped us maintain our position as the top law firm in Lithuania for Private Wealth Law by Chambers and Partners! This ongoing recognition reflects our dedication to delivering outstanding legal services in private wealth matters. Congratulations to WALLESS Managing Partner of Lithuania, Dovile Burgiene, and WALLESS Partner, dr. Mindaugas Lukas, both consistently honored as Band 1 lawyers in this field. Alongside our experienced team, specializing in M&A, corporate affairs, and privately held enterprises, we provide expert guidance on domestic and cross-border wealth management, intricate transactions, and comprehensive tax compliance. Thank you for continuing to inspire and trust us year after year! #ChambersAndPartners #HighNetWorth #Legal #Rankings

The Constitutional Court recognized as compatible with the Constitution of Latvia (Satversme) the amendments to the law which stipulated that that general education programs at the pre-school and primary education levels are to be implemented only in the Latvian language in public schools, as well as in private schools.   In October 2022, the Parliament of Latvia adopted amendments to the Law on Education and the Law on General Education, which stipulated that in Latvia, also in preschools and primary education, there will be a gradual transition to teaching only in the national language. Before that, classes were held only in Latvian in secondary schools.   The applicants in the case – a group of minority persons – asked the Constitutional Court to evaluate whether the amendments to the Law on Education and the Law on General Education comply with Articles 1, 112 and 114 of the Constitution of Latvia.   The Parliament of Latvia was represented in the Constitutional Court by WALLESS partner Sandis Bērtaitis.   #education #constitution #language

Attention Estonian real estate investors – changes in VAT rules are expected that may impact your business. Many invest in rental apartments through companies and deduct VAT on the acquisition. But this is allowed only in certain cases, and the rules are changing. Expected new VAT rules will make deducting VAT harder. Previously, your business plan and planned usage were key. Soon, the first supply (renting with or without VAT) will be the deciding factor. #WallessTaxCookies #WallessTax #Tax #Estonia

The Data Protection 2024 legal guide by CEE Legal Matters is ready for you! Check out the Lithuania chapter, contributed by WALLESS Associate Partner Guoda Šileikytė, hand in hand with the WALLESS TMT practice group team. Get into a detailed overview of Lithuania's data protection laws, from key regulations and affected entities to territorial application and data breach protocols. Discover the consequences of non-compliance, enforcement trends, the impact of emerging technologies, and upcoming legal changes – essential insights into Lithuania's data protection landscape. Read the chapter here: https://rb.gy/bempys #CEELegalMatters #DataProtection #insights #guide