Practices

Education

  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, B.A. law (1988)
  • Institute for European Studies, Brussels, M.A. European Union law (1991)

Admissions

  • Belgium
  • European Court

Vassilis Akritidis

Partner
vakritidis@crowell.com
+32.2.214.2877

“Brussels-based Vassilis Akritidis heads the trade department at Crowell & Moring LLP. He acts both for non-EU exporters as defendants and for European industry associations as complainants on EU trade defence matters. He also advises clients on trade compliance. According to a client, Vassilis Akritidis is ‘highly experienced and competent in his field, flexible, fully reliable and dedicated to his clients.’” — Chambers Global, International Trade/WTO - Europe-wide, 2022

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


Client Alerts & Newsletters


Press Coverage


Firm News & Announcements

March 18, 2022 Chambers Ranks Five Crowell Lawyers and Four Practice Groups in 2022 Europe Guide
March 18, 2022 Chambers Ranks Seven Crowell Practice Groups and 13 Lawyers in 2022 Global Guide
March 24, 2021 Chambers Ranks Seven Lawyers and Four Practice Groups in 2021 Europe Guide
February 23, 2021 Chambers Ranks Three Practice Groups and Ten Lawyers in 2021 Global Guide