The summer school focuses on key legal considerations for companies crossing borders. This will be done from various perspectives: mergers and acquisitions, (aggressive) tax (planning), labour, intellectual property, insolvency and international contracts.
The programme is composed of two parts:
- Introductory lectures on key legal considerations for companies crossing borders. These lectures should enable the students to solve the case that will form the common theme throughout the summer school.
- Exercises on the basis of a case relating to companies involved in a cross-border take-over situation; to be solved by the students individually within two weeks as of the end of the lectures; students will have to submit a written report on questions relating to the case; students will be required to orally present their findings within one week after submission (tentative timing). In addition, participants are required to submit a written paper (max. 15 pages) on a topic relevant to the summer school. Topics will be distributed at the start of the summer school. Own topics are allowed, yet require prior approval by the academic coordinator, Prof. Robby Houben.
Want to turn your summer into a longer learning journey? This programme can be paired with another summer school through Antwerp Summer University Combinations. Discover the possibilities!
Programme previous edition
Last years programme of the summer school is available below. An updated version for 2026 will be available soon.
DAY 1
9 AM - 12 PM
- Welcome address Prof. dr. Dirk Vanheule (University of Antwerp)
- Introduction to the summer school Prof. dr. Robby Houben (University of Antwerp)
- Cross-border mergers and acquisitions Prof. dr. Robby Houben (University of Antwerp)
1 - 4 PM
- Cross-border labour aspects Prof. dr. Daniël Cuypers (University of Antwerp), Johan Kerremans (Lawyer, Janson)
DAY 2
9 AM - 12 PM
- Cross-border tax aspects part 1 Steven Peeters (University of Antwerp; Arteo Law)
1 - 4 PM
- Cross-border tax aspects part 2 Dr. Wouter Dister (University of Antwerp; Arteo Law)
DAY 3
9 AM - 12 PM
- The transfer of company seat across borders Prof. dr. Antun Bilić (University of Zagreb)
1 - 4 PM
- Cross-border intellectual property aspects Dr. Nele Somers (University of Antwerp; Artes)
DAY 4
9 AM - 12 PM
- International contracts: applicable law and competent court / arbitration versus domestic courts Prof. dr. Thalia Kruger (University of Antwerp and University of Cape Town), dr. Dilyara Nigmatullina (University of Antwerp)
1 - 4 PM
- Cross Border Corporate Governance Prof. dr. Tom Vos (University of Antwerp)
DAY 5
9 AM - 12 PM
- Business and Human Rights Prof. dr. Gamze Erdem Turkelli (University of Antwerp), Begüm Kilimcioglu (University of Antwerp)
1 - 4 PM
- Cross-border insolvency Prof. dr. Melissa Vanmeenen (University of Antwerp)
4:15 - 6 PM
- Closing ceremony
Target group
- Students with a degree of Bachelor of Laws or Economics, or students who are enrolled in their third year. Students with similar competences (to be assessed on a case-by-case basis) are eligible for this summer school as well.
- Good command of English is required.
Campus
This summer school takes place at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
Successful completion of the summer school can be awarded with 3 credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits will be awarded based on participation in class, submission of written reports, and delivery of an oral presentation of findings related to the case in the tutorials.
To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution. Students of the University of Antwerp eligible to include the ECTS credits as part of their study programme must register via Mobility Online and SisA.
All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential. Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours, but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- obtain the necessary and relevant, thorough and profound knowledge of key legal considerations relating to companies crossing borders;
- illustrate the basic legal concepts relating to companies crossing borders, specifically in a cross-border take-over context;
- debate orally on legal topics relating to companies crossing borders;
- report in writing on topics relating to companies crossing borders from a legal perspective;
- develop in writing a scientifically supported legal reasoning;
- find and process the relevant information in specialized legal texts (including legislation)