From 7 to 10 April 2026, Poznan hosted the European Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, widely regarded as the most prestigious international moot court competition in space law. This year’s edition brought together 24 teams from European universities, with the final held at the Faculty of Law and Administration of Adam Mickiewicz University.
The competition is based on a simulation of proceedings before the International Court of Justice and has for years remained one of the most important academic events for those engaged in space law. The European Rounds are organised by the European Centre for Space Law operating under the auspices of the European Space Agency, while the International Institute of Space Law serves as the international academic organiser of the competition.
During the final round, participants presented their arguments before an international panel of judges composed of Their Excellencies David Schuman and Boubacar Sidi Diallo, as well as Madame President Prof. Katarzyna Malinowska of Kozminski University, who presided over the final hearing. From the perspective of the Polish academic community, this was one of the most significant distinctions of this year’s edition and, at the same time, a strong signal confirming the presence of Kozminski University experts at the most important international events devoted to space law.
Prof. Katarzyna Malinowska’s presence in this role reflects her academic and professional achievements in the field of space law. She is a professor at Kozminski University and an expert specialising, among other areas, in space law, and her research and expert activity enjoy international recognition.
The European Rounds in Poznan also created a space for broader debate on the future regulation of space activities. The programme of the event also included the expert conference “Space Law at a Crossroads: Sustainability, Commercialisation and the Future of Space Governance”, in which Prof. Katarzyna Malinowska was among the invited experts.
This year’s European Rounds were won by the team from Utrecht University, while the runner-up title went to the team from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. The winners will represent Europe in the world final of the competition during the International Astronautical Congress 2026 in Antalya.
