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Businesses in various sectors do not have a positive outlook for their turnover forecasts due to the corona crisis. As a result, they may have an extra incentive to take the uncomfortable journey and start collecting bad debt. It may often seem that the only effective way to satisfy claims is to take legal action, but before filing a statement of claim you should consider other and less costly options. Grant Thornton Baltic's legal adviser Edward Otsa opens the subject further.

A new concept in Estonian legal system, administrative fine, was sent to coordination round to the relevant ministries by the Ministry of Justice. The new fine would enable a more effective response to violations of financial services, competition and data protection regulation in the future. Grant Thornton Baltic data protection officer Maili Torma and legal adviser Lee Laanemäe write about the potential changes awaiting us in the near future.

The state is changing the parental leave and benefits system once again and starting from the 1st of July 2020, the paternity leave will increase from 10 to 30 calendar days. Grant Thornton Baltic legal adviser Edward Otsa is opening the subject further.

The amendment of Bankruptcy Act entered into force, where the commencement of the term of the obligation to submit bankruptcy petition shall be suspended for the time of emergency situation due to coronavirus and two months thereafter. Aet Sallaste, head of legal services in Grant Thornton Baltic explains who are concerned by the amendment of the Bankruptcy Act.

On February 1st 2020, remote authentication was introduced for notarial transactions, which is equivalent to ordinary notarial authentication, i.e. authentication in the presence of a notary. Remote authentication as an innovative solution is a notarial act conducted via a video bridge between Estonian notary and an Estonian or an e-resident. Grant Thornton Baltic legal adviser Brigitta Jõgi opens the subject further.

From the 1st of July 2020 the changes of the commercial code state, that the minimum nominal value of a share is one cent instead of one euro, with the result that every cent of the share capital shall grant the shareholder one vote. Grant Thornton Baltic legal adviser Brigitta Jõgi explains the subject further.

Only a few companies have included an option of a virtual shareholders’ general meeting – e.g. using an instant messaging service or electronic voting application. Grant Thornton Baltic legal manager Kristel Tiits explains how to rectify this situation.

The government aid measures to alleviate the corona crisis have become rather confusing for entrepreneurs. According to Äripäev's radio program "Kasvukursil", there are in fact several ways for labour cost savings. In the studio were legal manager Kristel Tiits, HR manager Marge Litvinova and IT manager Arko Kurg from Grant Thornton Batic.

Estonia has been in a state of emergency for a month now, which has limited the work and regular routines of businesses and individuals alike. Sports clubs and entertainment centers are closed, and people are forbidden to visit shopping centers. Accordingly, businesses experience many disruptions in their usual business routines and activities. Under certain conditions, it is possible to rely on § 103 (2) of the Law of Obligations Act (hereinafter LOA), which establishes force majeure. Grant Thornton Baltic legal adviser Brigitta Jõgi explains when force majeure can be applied to the situation.

A subsidy to employees affected by the COVID-19 crisis was established by order of Estonian Government from March 23rd, 2020 „Employment program 2017-2020 . To apply for the employee subsidy the employer must meet 2 out of 3 requirements. What are those requirements and what action must employer take? Grant Thornton Baltic legal adviser Lee Laanemäe and legal manager Kristel Tiits explain the subject and give recommendations for further steps.

Grant Thornton Baltic specialists give an overview of the most important decisions and measures concerning the current crisis taken in Latvia and Lithuania.

To improve liquidity, KredEx has developed crisis measures. It should be remembered that a company intending to use KredEx measures should first contact their home bank. Grant Thornton Baltic legal manager Kärolin Rohumäe explains what companies should do to be able to apply for the KredEx crisis packages.

During the emergency situation in Estonia, many employers have allowed some or all their employees to work from home. Allowing people to work from home cuts the risk of contracting the virus, but also raises the question of who is responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment for the employee. Kärolin Rohumäe, Grant Thornton Baltic's legal adviser, explains in more detail.

Temporary subsidies from the Unemployment Insurance Fund will be paid to those employees who are working under an employment contract and whose employers are significantly impacted by the current extraordinary circumstances. Grant Thornton Baltic advisors can help you assess whether your company qualifies for this measure, draw up the staff documents necessary to apply for the subsidy and assess the necessity and scope of applying for the subsidy.

Estonia declared a state of emergency (defined in national law as “emergency situation”) on 12 March 2020 and this affects the rights and responsibilities arising from employment relationships. What steps can an employer take to slow the spread of the virus while keeping the work processes flowing, and what are an employee’s rights to refuse to come to work? Grant Thornton Baltic specialists Kristel Tiits and Lee Laanemäe give overview and suggestions on how to best deal with the current situation.

In simple terms, copyright is the right over intellectual property. Copyright is gained automatically and requires no separate registration or other completion of formalities. Grant Thornton Baltic specialists Kristel Tiits and Lee Laanemäe are explaining the details in depth in their article.