In this special episode of The Legal Community Speaks – The ELI Podcast, recorded at the 2025 European Law Institute Annual Conference at the University of Vienna, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL speak with Michael Strauss, General Counsel of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Mr Strauss, whose distinguished career includes senior roles at the IMF, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, and the US Treasury, provides rare and deeply informed insight into the EBRD’s mandate, its origins following the fall of the Berlin Wall, and its ongoing role in supporting emerging democracies and fostering robust private sectors across its regions of operation.
This episode delves into the historical purpose of the EBRD and its distinctive political and environmental mandates, outlining how the Bank’s investment model, capital structure, and oversight by 79 member states shape its mission and operations. It further explores the EBRD’s expanding geographical remit and the legal frameworks that support its work, with particular emphasis on its extensive engagement in Ukraine, from rebuilding critical infrastructure and strengthening energy systems to sustaining the real economy.
The conversation also considers the practical and political challenges of operating in regions such as the West Bank and Gaza, while reflecting on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers navigating issues of sustainability, governance, and climate-related decision-making. The episode concludes by underscoring the rising importance of corporate climate governance and the need to cultivate a robust internal ‘speak-up’ culture within large institutions.
This compelling and thought-provoking interview highlights the intersection of law, policy, finance, and geopolitics, underlining the essential role that legal professionals play in promoting responsible international governance.
Listen to the Episode here:
- Spotify: https://bit.ly/4rif5xK
- Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/49FI9Jo
- Acast: https://bit.ly/44xKuCv
