Newsitems on the Annual YANIL Research Workshops:
- 6th YANIL Workshop - 7-8 October 2025
- 5th YANIL Workshop - 1-2 October 2024
- 4th YANIL Workshop - 10-11 October 2023
- More...
- Launch of the 2025 YANIL Research Prize (3rd Edition)
- 2024 YANIL Research Prize Winner
- 2023 YANIL Research Prize Winner
- More...
- Research Webinar Series - pt. 7 on 11 April 2025
- Research Webinar Series - pt. 6 on 7 March 2025
- Research Webinar Series - pt. 5 on 5 November 2024
- More...
YANIL News: 6th YANIL Workshop on Restructuring and Insolvency Law in Vienna, Austria 2025.
On 7 and 8 October 2025, YANIL's 6th Annual Research Workshop on Restructuring and Insolvency Law took place in Vienna, Austria. This year, YANIL was kindly hosted by the University of Vienna, where participants gathered for two days of engaging presentations and lively discussions.
Workshop
The Workshop opened with a warm welcome from Professor Christian Koller (University of Vienna), who reflected on the long-standing tradition of insolvency law debates that have taken place in the very room hosting the event. The programme featured ten presentations covering a broad range of themes within restructuring and insolvency law, offering valuable insights into ongoing developments and future directions in the field.
The first sessions explored the institutional and pracitcal dimensions of insolvency research. Paul Newson (INSOL Europe) presented on the structure of INSOL Europe and the contribution of its members, while Alice van der Schee (INSOL Europe) discussed how researchers can connect with practitioners through Eurofenix, underlining that YANIL is the future of insolvency law.
Subsequent presentations delved into the substance of insolvency and restructuring law: Fabian Kratzlmeier (University of Chicago) examined why the tax creditor is not simply another non-adjusting creditor, such as a tort victim. Giulia Pancioli (University of Ferrara) analysed the EU pre-pack proposal, highlighting how it addresses interests extending beyond those creditors. Pier Mario Lupinu (University of Glasgow) discussed the challenges of achieving harmonisation in transaction avoidance and its implications for the single capital market. Carla Avolio (University of Bologna) explored the intersection between creditors' rights and environmental protection, introducing a temporal framework for assessing balance. Michal Elbaz (NYU School of Law) drew attention to the role of data as an asset in insolvency. Luca Lamanna (Sapienza University of Rome) presented on early warning tools, suggesting that artificial intelligence could make them more proactive. Vayshree (Gujarat National Law University) discussed the potential for an Asian Insolvency Regulation, drawing lessons from the EU. Noor Mendonck (Ghent University) focused on sectoral insolvency and options or sectors that affect public interest. The Workshop benefitted from the comments by discussants Matthew Chippin (University of Leeds), Jennifer Gant (University of Derby), Charles Mak (University of Bristol), Lana Gotvan (University of Ljubljana), Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London), and Gauthier Vandenbossche (Ghent University).
In addition to the academic programme, participants enjoyed a group dinner and a visit in Vienna, which provided an opportunity for informal exchange and community building within the YANIL network.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Foundation Bob Wessels Insolvency Law Collection (BWILC). The YANIL Board extends its gratitude to all supporters and participants and looks forward to continuing these enriching academic exchanges in future gatherings.
New YANIL Board 2025
The Workshop also marked the conclusion of Gert-Jan Boon's term on the YANIL Board. The YANIL Community extends its sincere thanks for the dedicated service and longstanding contributions to the network. Fabian Kratzlmeier has joined the YANIL Board aiming to continue the initiatives and bring new perspectives.
The YANIL Board consists of: Giulia Ballerini (Chair), Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro, Fabian Kratzlmeier, Vasile Rotaru, Jonatan Schytzer, Defne Tasman.
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Last updated 8 October 2025 - edited 6 November 2025
YANIL News: YANIL Launches the 3rd edition of the Academic Prize for Innovative and Outstanding Research 2025
Submission deadline: 31 October 2025
YANIL is pleased to announce the launch of the YANIL Research Prize for Innovative and Outstanding Research - 3rd edition. With this Prize, YANIL aims to put the limelight on the excellent research produced by younger academics in the field of European insolvency and restructuring law.
YANIL, a branch of the INSOL Europe Academic Forum (IEAF), provides a lively and supportive network for younger academics to grow their academic talents. In pursuit of its objectives, various initiatives to present and publish research have been developed in recent years. A new challenge pressing YANIL is to ensure that the research of younger academics enjoys the attention it deserves and is disseminated as widely as possible. The refreshing ideas of younger academics, thanks to new questions, methods, or solutions proposed, are considered crucial for the development of the academic debate. With this Prize, YANIL aims to raise awareness of their research and support them in pursuing an academic career.
Shifting the limelight to your research
To raise the visibility of your work, the Prize offers several opportunities to showcase research:
- In the second round, shortlisted candidates will prepare a short video presenting the key findings of their research - These will be published on the websites of YANIL/INSOL Europe and BWILC
- The first prize winner will also be invited to present their research at a YANIL research webinar.
- Prizes include: 1st place (EUR 500), 2nd place (EUR 350), 3rd place (EUR 250).
How to participate
The 2025 YANIL Prize will take the form of a two-stage research competition. For more information on the eligibility requirements and selection process, please read the 2025 Competition Guidelines and Rules.
1. First round
Younger academics are invited to submit their research output that has been published between 1 January 2024 and 1 September 2025 to yanil@insol-europe.eu
Submission Deadline: 31 October 2025
2. Second round
Selected candidates will be invited to record a short video presenting their research findings.
⇒The 2025 Competition Guidelines and Rules For The 3rd Edition of the Prize Can Be Found Here.
The Jury consists of the YANIL Board (Giulia Ballerini (YANIL Chair); Gert-Jan Boon, Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro, Vasile Rotaru, Jonatan Schytzer, Defne Tasman) and a member of the INSOL Europe Academic Forum's Board. The Prize is made possible with the kind financial support of the Foundation Bob Wessels Insolvency Law Collection (BWILC)
Last updated 24 September 2025
YANIL News: YANIL Research Webinar Series pt. 7
On 11 April 2025, YANIL hosted a Research Webinar featuring Dr Narine Lalafaryan (University of Cambridge). Narine presented her research on emerging practices in the private debt market and her paper "Chameleon Capital". The paper examines the development of modern hybrid instruments, braided equity and debt structures, and combinations thereof, which are designed in response to the insolvency regime. These innovations blur the traditional boundary between debt and equity in commercial practice. The presentation explored the implications of this phenomenon for corporate governance, the financing of distressed firms, and the operation of insolvency law.
The presentation was followed by a YANIL Mingle, where attendees were engaged in discussions and a brainstorm session on the presentation. The attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Thank you to Narine Lalafaryan for the engaging presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
Last updated 20 April 2025
YANIL News: YANIL Research Webinar Series pt. 6
On 7 March 2025, YANIL hosted a Research Webinar featuring the YANIL Research Prize 2024 Winner: Dr Charles Ho Wang Mak (Robert Gordon University). Charles presented his research on sovereign debt restructuring (SDR) reforms and his paper "Evaluating Reform Proposals in Sovereign Debt Restructuring: A Path Towards Resilience and Fairness". He examines three key approaches to assess the most effective framework for resilience and fairness in SDR governance: centralized statutory, decentralized contractual, and model law.
The presentation was followed by a YANIL Mingle, where attendees were assigned to breakout rooms for informal discussions and for a brainstorm session on the presentation. At the plenary session, the attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Thank you to Charles Mak for his insightful presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
Charles' video submission for the YANIL Research Prize is available on YANIL's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@YANIL_IE
Last updated 10 March 2025
YANIL News: YANIL Research Prize Winner 2024
YANIL is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2024 YANIL Prize is Mr. Charles Ho Wang Mak for his paper: "Evaluating Reform Proposals in Sovereign Debt Restructuring". His paper evaluates proposals for reforming sovereign debt restructuring (SDR) frameworks, comparing three key approaches: the centralised statutory approach, the decentralised contractual approach, and the model law approach. It assesses whether a harmonised international treaty is preferable or if a flexible, pluralist approach is more effective. Ultimately, the paper supports the model law approach as the most promising path for creating a comprehensive SDR governance framework, providing criteria for evaluating proposals and addressing unresolved challenges. Congratulations to Charles on this well-earned recognition!
The winners' video is available on YANIL's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@YANIL_IE
About the YANIL Research Prize
YANIL, a branch of the INSOL Europe Academic Forum (IEAF), provides a lively and supportive network for younger academics to grow their academic talents. In pursuit of its objectives, various initiatives to present and publish research have been developed in recent years. A new challenge pressing YANIL is to ensure that the research of younger academics enjoys the attention it deserves and is disseminated as widely as possible. The refreshing ideas of younger academics, thanks to new questions, methods, or solutions proposed, are considered crucial for the development of the academic debate. With this new Prize, YANIL aims to raise awareness of their research and support them in pursuing an academic career.
Last updated 10 February 2025
YANIL News: 5th YANIL Workshop on Restructuring and Insolvency Law in Naples, Italy 2024.
On 1 and 2 October 2024, YANIL's 5th Annual Research Workshop on Restructuring and Insolvency Law took place, this time in Naples, Italy. YANIL was hosted by the University of Napoli Federico II, where 10 researchers presented their research to 30 attendees.
Workshop
This year's sessions featured ten engaging presentations from early-career academics who explored a wide range of topics within insolvency and restructuring law, as well as its intersections with company law, private international law, and contract law.
The first session was moderated by Jonatan Schytzer (Uppsala University) and Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro (European University Institute) covering a range of topics. Speakers included Arwin Tavakolnia (University of Amsterdam) on the position of future claimants in mass tort reorganizations; Francesco Marotta (University of Padua) on the judicial review of directors' duties; Diego Pessoa (Portuguese Catholic University) on the importance of balance sheet insolvency; Joël Lozeman (Leiden University) on the fair distribution of reorganization value.
The second session was chaired by Giulia Ballerini (Padua University) and included presentations on insolvency proceedings against foreign investors and investment treaty protection standards by Hosna Sheikhattar (Leiden University); comparisons between restructuring and bankruptcy in Iran, Italy, and Germany by Seyed Milad Mahmood Kashani (University of Naples Federico II).
The third session was moderated by Emilie Ghio (University of Edinburgh). The speakers included Bodine Kramer (University of Amsterdam) on security rights on shares in private limited liability companies comparing Dutch, German, and American laws; Stefano Brighenti (University of Padua) on legal capital and insolvency law; Lana Gotvan (University of Ljubljana) on the initiation problem in insolvency law.
The workshop also featured innovative poster presentations by Jaime Vázquez García (Autonomous University of Madrid) and Samuel Biresaw (University of New England).
The Workshop concluded with a dinner. On the following day, attendees enjoyed a social tour of the underground treasures of Napoli Sotterranea, fostering closer ties and deeper connections. The Annual YANIL Research Workshop was followed by the Annual IEAF Conference 2024 in Sorrento, Italy.
The event was not just about presentations; it facilitated vibrant discussions on research, methodologies, and findings, providing a fertile ground for academic growth and networking. This successful assembly was made possible thanks to the support of the Foundation Bob Wessels Insolvency Law Collection (BWILC). The YANIL Board extends its gratitude to all supporters and participants and looks forward to continuing these enriching academic exchanges in future gatherings.
New YANIL Board 2024
A significant transition in the YANIL Board took place during the workshop as Gert-Jan Boon (Leiden University) stepped down as Chair of YANIL after several years of dedicated service, passing the baton to Giulia Ballerini. Additionally, Emilie Ghio concluded her impactful term, with Defne Tasman (University of Antwerp) stepping into the role and promising to continue the forward momentum. The YANIL Board consists of: Giulia Ballerini (Chair), Gert-Jan Boon, Jonatan Schytzer, Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro, Vasile Rotaru, Defne Tasman.
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: YANIL Research Webinar Series pt. 5
On 5 November 2024, YANIL hosted another thought-provoking Research Webinar featuring Mr Gauthier Vandenbossche (Ghent University). Gauthier presented his research, "Bankruptcy Proceedings of Empty Estates: A Time Driven Activity Based Costing-Analysis for the Trustee". This insightful session delved into the complex issue of trustee fees in cases of empty estates, with a particular focus on Belgium's state funding system for trustees.
A pressing challenge in estate management is the "empty estate problem", where trustees are tasked with managing estates that have no or insufficient assets to cover their fees. Belgium has implemented an innovative solution through a state-funded system that ensures trustees receive a fixed fee of €1,000 (indexed) for managing such estates, regardless of the workload. Gauthier's paper investigates how this fixed fee aligns with the actual economic costs incurred by trustees in these situations, offering insights into the system's effectiveness.
The presentation was followed by a YANIL Mingle, where attendees were assigned to breakout rooms for informal discussions and for a brainstorm session on the presentation. At the plenary session, the attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Thank you to Gauthier Vandenbossche for his excellent presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: YANIL Research Webinar Series pt. 4
On 16 May 2024, YANIL hosted the 4th Research Webinar featuring Mr Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro (European University Institute). Guillem presented his paper titled, "Mirroring the American Bankruptcy Code? IP Licenses in the European Insolvency Harmonization Project" published in GRUR international (volume 73 issue 2, February 2024). His comprehensive analysis examines the treatment of IP licenses under the European Commission's new Proposal for a Directive (2022/0408/COD), which aims to harmonize certain aspects of insolvency law.
In his analysis, Guillem focuses on the proposed regime of going concern sales of the debtor’s business (or part thereof) through ‘pre-pack proceedings.’ He explores how this approach aligns with the US Bankruptcy Code, which served as a significant inspiration, and incorporates examples from insolvency practices in various EU Member States. The paper critically evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the proposed specific regulations for IP licenses within insolvency proceedings. Guillem concludes with strategic amendments to enhance the Proposal, advocating for a deeper engagement in the broader debate over the treatment of IP licenses in European insolvency legislation, highlighting the need for thoughtful and effective legislative adaptations
The presentation was followed by a YANIL Mingle, where attendees were assigned to breakout rooms for informal discussions and for a brainstorm session on the presentation. At the plenary session, the attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Thank you to Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro for his wonderful presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: YANIL Research Prize Winners 2023 & Research Webinar Series pt. 3
YANIL is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 edition of the YANIL Research Prize for Innovative and Outstanding Research. With this Prize, YANIL aims to put the limelight on the excellent research produced by younger academics in the field of European insolvency and restructuring law.
Three Prizes for Three Winners
Research findings should be presented in short videos, submitted alongside the research papers. Winning entries will be published on the YANIL/INSOL Europe and BWILC websites, with an abstract of the paper. Prizes include: 1st place EUR 750 as well as presenting at the YANIL Research Webinar Series; 2nd place EUR 500; 3rd place EUR 250. The Jury consisted of the YANIL Board (Gert-Jan Boon, Giulia Ballerini, David Ehmke, Emilie Ghio, Jonatan Schytzer, and Eugenio Vaccari) and IEAF Chair (Prof. Rodrigo Rodriguez).
YANIL is pleased to announce that Dr. Fabian Kratzlmeier (Max-Planck-Institute for Tax Law and Public Finance) is the winner of the 2023 edition of the YANIL Research Prize for his paper "Twisted ways to a coherent body of European insolvency law: Coordination deficits between pre-pack proceedings and the EIR". The second prize is awarded to Raghav Mittal (Leiden University) for his paper "Prioritising SME Debtor's Equity Retention: Comparing the Relative Priority Rule and the Fair and Equitable Test". The third prize is awarded to Marco Novara (University of Milan) for his paper "The Trigger Point of Crisis Relevance. Italy's Transposition of Directive 2019/1023: Between a Rigid and Flexible Model".
The winners' videos are now available on YANIL's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@YANIL_IE
Research Webinar Series pt. 3
On 12 March 2024, Fabian presented his winning paper at the 3rd YANIL Research Webinar. His research focuses on the European Commission's latest 2022 proposal for a directive aimed at harmonizing certain aspects of insolvency law, notably including the introduction of a pre-pack procedure under its Title IV. Over the past year, this draft directive has sparked widespread debate concerning its material issues. Yet, its coherence with previous secondary legislation in the realm of insolvency law has largely been overlooked. Fabian's paper explores the interplay between the proposed pre-pack procedure and the EU Insolvency Regulation, uncovering previously unnoticed needs for coordination and potential contradictions. His work is published in Neue Zeitschrift für Insolvenz und Sanierung (NZI) 2023, issue 799.
The presentation was followed by a YANIL Mingle, where attendees were assigned to breakout rooms for informal discussions and for a brainstorm session on the presentation. At the plenary session, the attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Thank you to Fabian for his presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
About the YANIL Research Prize
YANIL, a branch of the INSOL Europe Academic Forum (IEAF), provides a lively and supportive network for younger academics to grow their academic talents. In pursuit of its objectives, various initiatives to present and publish research have been developed in recent years. A new challenge pressing YANIL is to ensure that the research of younger academics enjoys the attention it deserves and is disseminated as widely as possible. The refreshing ideas of younger academics, thanks to new questions, methods, or solutions proposed, are considered crucial for the development of the academic debate. With this new Prize, YANIL aims to raise awareness of their research and support them in pursuing an academic career.
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: YANIL Research Webinar Series pt. 2
On 22 November 2023, YANIL hosted the second Research Webinar where Ms. Eirini Tsikirka (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) presented "Vis Attractiva Concursus Europensis - is it really attractiva?". Eirini assessed the use of the vis attractiva consursus principle, as has been establihsed by Article 6 of the European Insolvency Regulation. She discussed whether it succesfully delivered its objectives of concentration of jurisdiction before the insolvency court, and therefore, promote the insolvency proceedings' efficiency. To this end, she distinguished three levels in which vis attractiva concursus can operate (i) civil jurisdiction, (ii) arbitral jurisdiction, and (iii) applicable law. The presentation was followed by a Q&A. Thank you to Eirini for his presentation, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.
After the presentation, the winners of the YANIL Research Prize were announced by Prof. Rodrigo Rodriguez (INSOL Europe Academic Forum Chair) and Giulia Ballerini. The winners are Dr. Fabian Kratzlmeier (1st place), Raghav Mittal (2nd place) and Marco Novara (3rd place).
Congratulations to the winners of the YANIL Research Prize!
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: 4th YANIL Workshop on Restructuring and Insolvency Law in Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2023.
On 10 and 11 October 2023, YANIL's third Workshop took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This workshop brought together researchers and early career academics to present their research on various insolvency and restructuring topics.
Workshop
The workshop kicked off with the first panel, moderated by Jonatan Schytzer (Uppsala University), which included speakers such as Michelle Kluge (Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg) on German restructuring plans and the alteration of intra-group third party securities; Olivier Roodhooft (KU Leuven) on the position of personal creditors upon exclusion of insolvent shareholders from the company; Marco Novara (University of Milan) on the new Italian insolvency code and the shareholders arrangement with creditors; Isabelle Vanwalleghem (Hasselt University) on the application of directors' liability rules in Belgian practice.
The second panel was chaired by Giulia Ballerini (Padua University). Speakers included Gauthier Vandenbossche (Ghent University) on the costs of empty estates during bankruptcy procedures; Dorota Nowacka (European University Institute) on harmonisation of EU insolvency regarding secured creditors' protection; Abbas Abbasov (ADA University) on the rule in Gibbs and the recognition of foreign restructuring plans.
The final panel was moderated by David Ehmke (Wilkie Farr & Gallagher). Presentations included analysis of the reforms in the Belgian restructuring framework following the implementation of the EU Preventive Restructuring Directive by Defne Tasman (University of Antwerp); selective bargaining and private benefits in European restructurings by Vasile Rotaru (University of Oxford); the relationship between shareholders and directors at the stage of access to a company's insolvency plan procedure by Filippo Viola (University of Milan).
The workshop culminated in a dinner providing an opportunity for informal discussions and networking. The following day, attendees participated in a dutch boat tour in the canals of Amsterdam. This workshop's success was made possible by the contributions of the Foundation Bob Wessels Insolvency Law Collection (BWILC). The YANIL Board expresses its heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and participants for their vital roles. YANIL is enthusiastic about continuing these valuable academic dialogues at future events.
YANIL Board 2023
During the Workshop, the YANIL Board announced a significant change in its composition. Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway University of London) and David Ehmke concluded their terms, having made substantial contributions to YANIL's goals and initiatives. They have been succeeded by Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro (European University Institute) and Vasile Rotaru (Oxford University), both aiming to continue the initiatives and bring new perspectives to the Board. The new composition is as follows: Gert-Jan Boon (Chair), Emilie Ghio, Jonatan Schytzer, Giulia Ballerini, Vasile Rotaru, Guillem Gabriel-Pizarro.
Last updated 23 December 2024
YANIL News: YANIL launches Academic Prize for innovative and outstanding research 2023
YANIL is pleased to announce the launch of the YANIL Research Prize for Innovative and Outstanding Research. With this Prize, YANIL aims to put the limelight on the excellent research produced by younger academics in the field of European insolvency and restructuring law.
YANIL, a branch of the INSOL Europe Academic Forum (IEAF), provides a lively and supportive network for younger academics to grow their academic talents. In pursuit of its objectives, various initiatives to present and publish research have been developed in recent years. A new challenge pressing YANIL is to ensure that the research of younger academics enjoys the attention it deserves and is disseminated as widely as possible. The refreshing ideas of younger academics, thanks to new questions, methods, or solutions proposed, are considered crucial for the development of the academic debate. With this new Prize, YANIL aims to raise awareness of their research and support them in pursuing an academic career.
The Jury consists of the YANIL Board (Gert-Jan Boon, Giulia Ballerini, David Ehmke, Emilie Ghio, Jonatan Schytzer, and Eugenio Vaccari) and IEAF Chair (Prof. Rodrigo Rodriguez).
Three Prizes for younger academics
Research findings should be presented in short videos, submitted alongside the research papers. Winning entries will be published on the YANIL/INSOL Europe and BWILC websites, with an abstract of the paper.
- Prizes include: 1st place EUR 750; 2nd place EUR 500; 3rd place EUR 250. Winners will present at an online YANIL webinar in early 2024.
Participating
- The deadline for the submission is 4 November 2023. This edition welcomes submission for research that has been published (or is under review) in the period January 2022 to September 2023. This prize is made possible with the financial support of the Foundation Bob Wessels Insolvency Law Collection (BWILC). More information on the YANIL Prize for Innovative and Outstanding Research can be found below. The eligibility and rules are found here.
Last updated 23 December 2024
