European Law Institute Podcast (Episode: Michael Strauss, EBRD)

In this special episode of The Legal Community Speaks – The ELI Podcast, recorded at the 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).

Strauss, whose career includes senior roles at the IMF, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, and the US Treasury, offers a rare and deeply informed insight into the EBRD’s mandate, its origins after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and its continued role in supporting emerging democracies and developing robust private sectors across its regions of operation.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Strauss discusses:

• The historical purpose of the EBRD and its distinct political and environmental mandates

• The Bank’s investment model, capital structure, and oversight by its 79 members

• The EBRD’s expanding geographical remit and the legal framework supporting it

• The Bank’s extensive work in Ukraine, including infrastructure repairs, energy systems, and real-economy support

• Challenges of engagement in regions such as the West Bank and Gaza

• The ethical responsibilities of lawyers in matters of sustainability, governance, and climate-related decision-making

• The emerging importance of corporate climate governance and “speak-up” culture within large institutions

This thoughtful and compelling interview highlights the intersection of law, policy, finance, and geopolitics — and the essential role legal professionals play in shaping responsible international governance.

Recorded in collaboration with the ELI Conference in Vienna, this episode continues the series featuring leading voices from across Europe and beyond.

A series of podcasts recorded at the ELI Annual Conference at the University of Vienna

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