Utrecht is European Champion of the 2026 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition

The team from Utrecht University has won the 2026 European Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. It was the first time Utrecht participated in this competition. The team consisted of students Manrique Naranjo, Julia van Reenen, and Olga Makin and coaches Berfin Deniz Çabuk and Cedric Ryngaert. The team will now go on to the World Finals in Antalya. 

The students are all part of the Public International Law Master’s Programme at Utrecht University. The team and coaches were supported by Kushtrim Istrefi, director of this master's programme. Coach Berfin says: "the team demonstrated outstanding dedication, teamwork, and academic excellence throughout the preparation process. Guided by their motto “Ad astra per aspera(through hardships to the stars),” they have shown remarkable growth and collaboration over the past months. We sincerely thank Prof. Cedric Ryngaert, Prof. Kushtrim Istrefi, and the Utrecht University and PIL community for their continuous support. We also extend our gratitude to ECSL, ESA, IISL, the judges, and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań for organizing and hosting an excellent competition. Congratulations to all participating teams and coaches." 

She also writes on LinkedIn: "It also meant a great deal to be in Poland for this occasion. Returning to the country of Manfred Lachs, a Polish jurist and pioneer of space law, made this experience even more meaningful. Congratulations to all teams and coaches. The growing passion for space law is inspiring to witness, and it is a reminder of why this field matters: space law is not only about rules beyond Earth, but about cooperation, responsibility, and the future we are building together beyond our planet." 

The journey continues to the World Finals in Antalya: The regional winners from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, North America and Latin America will compete in the World Finals which will be held in Antalya, in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress and will be judged by three sitting judges of the International Court of Justice.