This year's ficticious case before the International Court of Justice entitled “The Legality of Space Activities in Conflicts” was dedicated to the use of private communications satellites in armed conflict. Similarities with actual events in Ukraine are “purely coincidental”. The focus was on questions of international law for States not involved in the conflict - i.e. neutral States. The problem of space debris, which has increased significantly in recent years, was also addressed against the backdrop of deliberate and negligent destruction of satellites.

The Viennese team prevailed in the preliminary rounds against a large number of European universities, including the renowned King's College London and the Université Paris-Saclay. In the final at the headquarters of the European Space Agency in Paris, the University of Vienna was narrowly beaten by the team from the University of Luxembourg. In the pleadings, which were held in English, the teams skillfully used their knowledge of general international law and the specialized field of space law at a high level. While the University of Vienna may benefit from the proximity of the United Nations Office for Outer Space and the European Space Policy Institute in Vienna, the University of Luxembourg has the advantage of being able to offer a wide range of legal services.

The eagerly awaited result was announced at the awards dinner at the immersive space-themed restaurant “Stellar”.

Team members Friederike Lutz, Klara Mayerhofer and Marlene Traun were accompanied by Celina Saci and Adela Zinschitz, who, together with Professor Irmgard Marboe, had been preparing the team for the written and oral rounds since October. During the preparation period, numerous other members of the Institute of European, International and Comparative Law were also involved, sharing their experience from international moot courts and posing challenging questions in the practice pleadings. The Faculty of Law has a long tradition of participating in international moot courts. The result achieved in the final in Paris is one in a long line of remarkable successes.

Contact for queries: ao.Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Irmgard Marboe (irmgard.marboe@univie.ac.at), Mag. Celina Saci, University Assistant (celina.saci@univie.ac.at).