ECSL - European Centre for Space Law

The ECSL organises, together with the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), the European Rounds of the annual Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (MLMC). The case for the 2027 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition is now available. The case, entitled Case Concerning International Responsibility and Liability for SSA Services and In-orbit Servicing, can be accessed on the International Institute of Space Law website.Further information on registration, as well as the date and location of the 2027 European Rounds, will be published shortly.The 2026 European Rounds took place on 8-10 April 2026 at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. More information can be found in the report below.The regional winners from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, North America and Latin America will compete in the World Finals which are held in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). In 2026, the World Final will be held in Antalya, Turkey. The World Final of the Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition has the distinction of being judged by three sitting judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).If you have a question, please refer to the FAQ here.

One of the ECSL’s most prominent activities is the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy, welcoming students at all academic levels as well as select young professionals currently active in the space or related sectors. Now in its 34th year, the course has built a vast global network of alumni.Please find below information about the 2026 edition. Applications are now closed. More details on the programme and the procedure for application can be found below and in related articles. The 2027 edition will be announced in due time.

The 2026 edition of the Executive Course will be held from 7-9 December at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications for the 2026 edition are closed and being reviewed. Details on previous editions are available in the dedicated reports.

This event is co-organised annually with the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and takes place during the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. The IISL and ECSL are both observers at the Legal Subcommittee.This Symposium brings together academic experts and leading practitioners in the field of space law, policy and regulation to discuss pressing issues and to propose solutions to the international community.The 2026 symposium was held on the 14th of April 2026, at the Vienna International Centre. A panel of prestigious speakers discussed the following subject: "Legal approaches for a safe space environment". You can find all relevant information on the 2026 edition and previous editions in the corresponding reports.

The European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) was established in 1989 under the auspices of the European Space Agency (ESA) and with the support of a number of pioneers in this field. It is founded on the basis of a Charter, last amended in 2009.Current members of the ECSL include professionals working in a wide range of areas within the space sector, public institutions, international organisations, lawyers, university professors and students.Among other things, one of the main objectives of the Centre is to provide a forum for all those wishing to participate in constructive dialogue related to space law, and to encourage interdisciplinary exchange among members.

The ECSL is currently evolving. New information regarding its new Board will be communicated in the near future. Stay tuned!

Safwene El khaira is the current ECSL Executive Officer. Short presentation of SafweneAfter a bachelor's degree in law and a master’s degree in public international law at Paris Panthéon-Assas University, ...

Safwene El khaira is the current ECSL Executive Officer. If you wish to contact the Centre, please refer to the contact information below. European Centre for Space Law (ECSL)c/o European ...