"Meet ECSL Members" Series: Hristina Talkova, Coach and Assistant Lecturer for Space Law and IPL

1. Hi Hristina, how are you doing? How has it been for you since the Covid-19 outbreak?

I’ve been doing alright when it comes to academic work. Due to some events being transferred to an online format, I was able to present at conferences in different countries without having to actually travel there, which was very compatible with my work & study schedule. On the other hand, I miss my family and travelling very much, just like everyone else.

2. Can you briefly introduce yourself in a few words?

I currently work and study at the University of Vienna in Austria, but I am originally from Bulgaria. Growing up as an expat helped me develop an interest in international relations and politics, as well as in different languages. When I am not studying, which is a rare occasion in itself, I like to go hiking and rock climbing.

3. Please describe your educational background and career path?

I am currently in my last year of my master’s degree in law at the University of Vienna. Next year, I will be finishing my bachelor’s degree in political science as well. I hope that I can do a master’s in political science abroad post-Covid. I have completed some extracurricular diplomas highlighting diplomacy and EU law.

4. What drew you to space law?

I was able to complete multiple elective modules during my law degree – two of them, ‘Law of Technology’ and ‘Law of International Relations’ offered courses in space law, so I decided to give it a try. After completing introductory courses which sparked my fascination, I decided to apply to the advanced course in space law – which is basically the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court.

5. Is there a specific area within space law or policy that you find personally to interest you the most?

During my time competing in the Moot Court, I closely worked with the Intergovernmental Agreement of the International Space Station, as well as with different Memoranda of Understanding. While there isn’t a lot of academic work on the matter yet, I found this particularly interesting and I hope I can contribute to the research conducted on its applicability in various situations.

6. What would your future space law dream job look like?

As mentioned before, I am particularly interested in the newer instruments relating to the cooperation between states and the hands-on problems that come with the expansion of the space sector. Therefore, anything where I could combine my love for research and my interest in the new challenges presented to us space enthusiasts would satisfy my ‘dream job’ requirement.

7. Please tell us more about your Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court experience?

I was a team member representing the University of Vienna for 13 months. It was without a doubt the highlight of my law school experience. I learned more than during any other challenge at university, I got to make memories with my teammates that will last forever and was able to fulfil personal, as well as academic goals during the European Rounds, as well as the World Rounds. I cannot recommend it enough to others and I have become a bit obsessed with Moot Courts, to tell you the truth.

8. Why should others participate in such a time consuming competition?

Even though the preparation of both the written and the oral arguments is undoubtedly intense, what you will gain from this experience is beyond anyone’s understanding. The academic skills you perfect are supplemented by soft skills which will be irreplaceable in your future career path as a law graduate. Therefore, I believe everyone should take the chance and apply for any type of Moot Court!

9. What is your relationship with the ECSL?

The ECSL waives the student membership fee for Moot Court participants for the year after they have participated in the Moot Court, which is an added bonus of participating in the first place. This is a great step to further your academic career and explore the world of space law and policy. Throughout the last year, I participated in the events that weren’t postponed due to Covid, such as the Summer and Winter Webinars. I am hoping that I can apply for more of the wide range of ECSL activities and engage with other young professionals as well as experts this year.

10. Is there anything particular you would like to see the ECSL do in the future?

The ECSL’s repertoire already offers a wide range of activities for students. I very much welcomed the introduction of the Webinar series. As some universities do not offer space law courses, I believe those to be a great supplement for an introductory course. Furthermore, I think that if circumstances allow for it, the introduction of more communication and networking opportunities between ECSL members should be fostered and encouraged. This way, students can develop a more clear idea of what the space sector in Europe entails and how they can plan their future.

11. What is something you personally wish to achieve during your ECSL membership?

My goal is to apply and get accepted for all events I am eligible for, which I have not yet already attended, such as the Young Lawyers’ Symposium and the ECSL Summer Course. As there are always new opportunities arising, I am excited to see what the future brings and I will definitely be extending my ECSL membership for the coming years as well.

12. What opportunities are available for students if their university has not previously participated in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court competition?

This year, there has already been a record number of participating teams in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court, beating last year’s participation. Even if your university has never participated before, alerting your professors and asking already established Moot Court teams can easily help you participate next year. Most universities have an established Moot Court culture, so extending that to a new Moot Court should not be a problem. Getting in touch with the ECSL NPOC in your country might also provide some guidance to you or other interested students.

13. How is your wish to work in the space sector perceived by your friends and family?

Frankly, I don’t believe my family truly understands what’s going on – although my little cousin knows who Elon Musk is and has repeatedly asked me if I’m going to Mars. Almost all my friends and acquaintances from law school work either at university or at a law firm, which is why the interest of working in space law & policy abroad is mostly seen as a very unorthodox path. However, I am lucky enough to have found a very supportive system of space enthusiasts through my participation in the Moot Court!

14. Who do you want us to interview next?

ECSL members from underrepresented ESA countries!