"Meet ECSL Members" Series: Balázs Bartóki-Gönczy, Head of Department and Associate Professor of Law at the University of Public Service and Member of the Hungarian Media Council

1.     Hi Balázs! How has your day been?

Thank you, it has been very busy since we’re currently organising the ‘European Space Policy – Ambitions, Autonomy and Security’ conference with the Paris Saclay University and its side event, the Space Policy Student Symposium taking place from the 13-14 October 2022 in Budapest.

2.     Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m a lawyer graduated in Budapest and Paris and a father of three beautiful little boys. I have the privilege to lead the first Space Law and Policy Institute of Hungary and to teach space law and electronic communications law as head of the department at the University of Public Service. As a hobby, I’m head of the university’s fencing club (Ludovika SC) which is very close to my heart as a former fencer.

 3.     How did you decide to specialise with a masters in space law and telecommunications in France?

I wanted to specialise in the field of digital law and was also interested in telecommunications law. During the legal master (LL.M) in Paris led by Prof. Phillipe Achilleas, I got to know the field of space law, which had a huge impact on my professional life.

 4.     Can you tell us a bit more about the Space Law and Policy Institute which you are heading at the University of Public Service? How does it help to further research on space law in Hungary?

In Hungary, natural science research related to outer space has long represented a high standard. In recent years however, legal research has fallen short of this. The university wanted to fill this gap by establishing the institute, which would like to contribute to the scientific discourse in the fields of law, industry and policy making, and to offer specialised courses on the subject in Hungary. We’re proud member of the ECSL as national point of contact.

 5.     How has the election as the ECSL National Point of Contact in Hungary benefited your outreach and research work?

Significantly. The membership, especially the NPOC status, opened doors to an extremely valuable network, which has a positive impact on the life of a young institute like ours. This network is of particular help to nations that are taking their first steps in space law and policy research (at least in the modern space age).

6.     What advice do you have for ECSL members especially from Central and Eastern European countries that seek to find mentors in the space sector?

I suggest two things. The first is to participate at the programmes of the bigger countries, ESA, ESPI, ECSL and get to know and ask for help from experts of the sector with more than 20 years of experience. On the other hand - and here I am thinking of our own CEE region - we need to develop cooperation among us, we need to strengthen each other, united we’re stronger. We have plans for the latter, and I am confident that we will be able to take the first steps next year.

7.     You have recently been elected as a member of the Hungarian Media Council. How does this practical work differ from the theoretical concepts you have dealt with during your academic experiences, such as working as a Professor and later as Head of a Department at the University of Public Service?

The two things complement each other perfectly, in fact, this is the ideal setup. I don't believe in research that is completely independent of reality. Even if only indirectly, research (especially in the field of law) must always be based on a social phenomenon, since our goal is to create the game of rules for the real life, the coexistence of the society.

8.     The University of Public Service has increasingly supported many ECSL activities, and you are now co-organising the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy in 2023 – how will this influence the space law landscape in Budapest?

This is an amazing honour and opportunity. The fact that more than 50 well-educated, motivated students, as well as many internationally recognised professors and professionals will come to us highlights the importance of the field. I will pay special attention to the fact that the event - as a positive externality - promotes the field among Hungarian university students.

9.     What are the three most important things you would like to share with interested students who want to join the course next year?

The summer course will be held on the campus of our university between 20 - 31 August 2023. If I can formulate three pieces of advice: take as much as you can from the courses, build good relationships with each other and the professors and get to know our beautiful capital, Budapest.

10.  Organising the first ever Summer Course on Space Law in Policy in Hungary is surely an exciting task – how are you hoping to collaborate with the ECSL Secretariat and the European Space Agency in order to ensure the best possible experience for the participants?

The University of Public Service has a professional organisation, including event organisation and communication. Our Rector, Prof. Deli personally supports our cause, we will do our best to make the 31^st summer course memorable in every aspect.

11.   What is one thing you would like to see the ECSL do in the future, especially in the area of regional cooperation?

More in person networking events for NPOCs & ECSL Institutional Members.