NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTION FOR THE NKUA SCHOOL OF LAW IN THE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION ELMC
The School of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) proudly announces its latest International distinction at the prestigious European Law Moot Court (ELMC) Competition for the academic year 2024–2025.
The undergraduate student team, after successfully completing the written phase of the competition by submitting legal pleadings, qualified for the Regional Final held in Lyon from 27 February to 2 March 2025. Representing the special role of the Commission Agent, the team advanced to the semi-final round of the Regional Final. Through their exceptional oral advocacy, the students earned high marks and secured a position among the top 16 universities globally for their performance in this specialized role.
The team representing the Athens School of Law consisted of undergraduate students:
Alexandra Alexaki, Eleni Vasilaki, Eleni-Maria Kotzia, Sofia Bandana, and Despoina Malliarou.
The European Law Moot Court Competition (www.europeanlawmootcourt.eu), established in 1989 under the auspices of the Court of Justice of the European Union, is one of the most renowned international moot court competitions. It involves teams of undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 80 leading universities across Europe and the United States, including Columbia University, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas, King’s College London, KU Leuven, and Maastricht University.
The competition simulates proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union and includes both written submissions and oral hearings. A distinctive feature of the ELMC is its bilingual format: teams are required to argue in both English and French, and language proficiency is formally assessed.
This year’s case addressed complex and timely issues of European Union law, including:
a) international jurisdiction under the Brussels I bis Regulation, with a focus on related actions and third-party jurisdiction clauses.
b) Private enforcement of Competition Law, as examined through Directive 2014/104, Directive 2019/1 on the independence of National Competition Authorities, and the protection of fundamental rights under the EU Charter.
c) Interpretation of Directive 2005/29 on unfair commercial practices, in light of Regulation 1169/2011 concerning food information to consumers.
The team's preparation was coordinated by students Vasiliki Christofilopoulou, Panagiotis Davakis, Irini Efthymiou, Eleni Sargioti and Vasileia Spaidioti, all members of last year’s participating team. Their contribution was invaluable to this year’s success. Also, invaluable was the support of postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ioannis Kourtis.
The team prepared under the academic guidance of Associate Professor mrs. R. Papadopoulou, Associate Professor mr. M. Perakis, and Assistant Professor mrs. M. Kouskouna.
Gratitude is extended to the law firms Dryllerakis & Associates and Kyriakides Georgopoulos, whose sponsorship supported the team’s participation in the competition.