To maximize trade-related benefits, get customs advice, or ensure robust representation before the European Commission and EU courts in trade and EU matters, clients turn to Vassilis Akritidis and his team for clear advice and dedication to a positive result. Beyond disputes, proactive compliance and proper corporate governance are essential for success. Vassilis organizes compliance training programs for executives to ensure smooth and cost-effective navigation through the complex web of EU and World Trade Organization regulations.
Vassilis has been practicing EU and international trade law in Brussels since 1991. He qualified in Athens as a maritime lawyer and then pursued graduate studies in European law at the Institute of European Studies in Brussels. An internship at the State aid Directorate-General for Competition convinced Vassilis that EU and supranational law are hugely interesting. He started as an EU competition and public procurement lawyer and over the years focused increasingly on international trade and WTO law. Vassilis is regularly quoted by renowned legal directories as an expert in these fields.
Vassilis helps his clients win trade investigations, achieve and improve market access, maximize trade benefits, and be trade-compliant wherever they operate. He advises and represents private clients, professional associations, and governments in trade defense investigations (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, safeguards), customs investigations and litigation, trade sanctions/export controls, and EU anti-fraud investigations led by the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Vassilis also advises on EU State aid and EU internal market and public procurement.
Vassilis has worked for clients active in the steel, chemicals, high-tech, transport, defense and aerospace, automotive, and agriculture/food sectors. He represents clients before the EC and other non-EU trade defense authorities.
Should things get contentious, Vassilis is an experienced litigator, representing parties before EU courts in Luxembourg as well as national customs and administrative tribunals.
Vassilis works with his colleagues at Crowell & Moring International, our global government relations, public policy, and public affairs affiliate, in matters involving EU public policy and lobbying.
Affiliations
Professional Activities and Memberships
- President of the Belgian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce since 2008
- Served as a non-executive board member in an industrial development bank and manufacturing companies
Speeches & Presentations
-
"Ukraine Crisis Webinar," Crowell & Moring Webinar, 2022.
(April 21, 2022).
Speakers: Vass Akritidis, Bryan Brewer, Caroline Brown, Carlton Greene, Andrew Martin, John Murino, Nicole Simonian, Rob Sneckenberg, Scott Winkelman, Dj Wolff, Alex Urbelis, and Laura Baker
-
"Supply Chain Compliance and Trade Risk Assessment (ACC), Crowell & Moring Webinar, 2022.
(January 27, 2022).
Speakers: Vassilis Akritidis, Lorenzo Di Masi, and Marcia Pulcherio.
-
"Supply Chain Compliance and Trade Risk Assessment (IBJ)," Crowell & Moring Webinar, 2022.
(January 20, 2022).
Speakers: Vassilis Akritidis.
-
"International Trade in 2021: What’s Ahead," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(February 17, 2021).
Presenters: Vassilis Akritidis, Caroline E. Brown, Michelle J. Linderman, Joshua Pond, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David R. Stepp, Robert Clifton Burns, Carina C. Federico, Jackson C. Pai, Nicole Sayegh Succar, Michael Bowen, Chandler S. Leonard, Brian McGrath, Nimrah Najeeb, and Joshua Boswell.
-
"Is Relief from the Trade Wars in Sight?" Sports & Fitness Industry Association Webinar
(January 26, 2021).
Speakers: John B. Brew, Evan Y. Chuck, and Vassilis Akritidis.
-
"Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Impact of Dueling Tech Regulations and Escalating Tensions on Cross-Border Transactions," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(November 19, 2020).
Presenters: Vassilis Akritidis, Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, and Caroline E. Brown.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
Press Coverage
Firm News & Announcements