From 20 to 22 April, students from Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) together with Professor Dr. Virginijus Bitė from the Law School participated in the international ERUA travelling seminar “Democracy, Human Rights and the Sustainable Transformation of Corporate Governance in Europe,” held at New Bulgarian University (NBU) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The three-day seminar brought together around 20 MRU master’s students from the study programmes European and International Business Law, International Law, and Civil and Business Law, as well as approximately 20 students from NBU. During the seminar, participants explored the impact of European legal frameworks on corporate governance, the protection of human rights in the business environment, and the development of sustainable and socially responsible business models.

The seminar programme focused on three main topics. During the first session, Dr. Svetla Kacharova discussed democratic safeguards in the governance of state-owned enterprises, regulatory mechanisms, and the protection of public interest. In the second session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvia Tsoneva analysed the protection of human rights in the corporate sphere and the role of the European Court of Human Rights in strengthening the rule of law in commercial relations.

The third seminar session was led by MRU Professor Dr. Virginijus Bitė, who presented the topic “Steward Ownership and the Sustainability Transition: From Private Profit to Common Benefit.” During the lecture, students were introduced to the steward ownership model – an innovative approach to corporate governance focused on long-term organisational mission, sustainability, and societal benefit rather than short-term profit maximisation.

In addition to academic activities, students also participated in practical and cultural events. One of the highlights of the programme was a visit to the Bulgarian state-owned company BMW EOOD, where participants learned more about governance mechanisms, transparency requirements, and ongoing reforms related to state-owned enterprises in Bulgaria.

During the visit to Sofia, participants also explored some of the city’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, including the Boyana Church, the National History Museum, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, and other iconic sites.

The international seminar provided students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of contemporary issues in European business law, human rights, and sustainable governance, while also strengthening intercultural competencies and building academic connections with international university communities.