In July, MCC welcomed 55 law students and young legal professionals from nine European countries to its Budapest headquarters for the fifth V4+ Law Student Summit. Organized by MCC students, the annual international event provides a platform for the next generation of Central and Eastern European lawyers to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and discuss the legal challenges shaping the region.
This year's participants arrived from countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Austria. Many attendees were returning participants, reflecting how the Summit has evolved into a recurring meeting point for a growing international community of young legal professionals committed to regional cooperation.
The three day program opened with a series of expert lectures delivered by international speakers, each presenting the latest developments in their field with a particular focus on their relevance to Central and Eastern Europe. Discussions covered a wide range of timely legal issues, including access to justice, the digital euro, international sports law, corporate criminal liability, and whistleblower protection. The young professionals also explored the EU Mercosur Agreement, the implementation of international children's rights standards across the region, and the growing role of third party litigation funding.
Afternoon sessions shifted the focus to practical learning and interactive collaboration. On the opening day, three V4LS alumni shared their experiences from international moot court competitions and offered practical guidance on selecting competitions and preparing for them successfully. The second day featured a negotiation exercise in which participants jointly drafted an international convention regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the administration of justice. The program concluded with an interactive workshop on the future of legal education, encouraging students to exchange ideas on the characteristics of an ideal higher education model.
Alongside its academic program, the Summit placed a strong emphasis on community building. Social activities throughout the event created opportunities for participants to get to know one another and establish lasting professional relationships across borders. Students also took part in a legal themed activity on Margaret Island, while the closing program introduced international participants to Hungarian folk dance, offering a memorable cultural experience alongside the professional discussions.
Over the past five years, the V4+ Law Student Summit has developed into a well established international forum that attracts returning participants and speakers year after year. By combining high quality academic discussions with practical workshops and meaningful international networking, the initiative continues to strengthen a cross border community of young legal professionals who will shape the future of law across Central and Eastern Europe.
