governance

Georgia Law students assist alumnus Johan Van den Cruijce (LL.M. ’94) in publishing “Guide to Listing in Belgium”

Several University of Georgia School of Law students were involved in research and editing for the 13th edition of the 2024 Guide to Listing in Belgium, published earlier this year by a Georgia Law alumnus. This book provides an overview on the governance and regulatory landscape of listed companies in Belgium.

Johan Van den Cruijce (LL.M. ’94), Managing Director of Atlas Services Belgium, a company of the Orange group, co-authored the publication with his colleagues Nicolas Janssens de Bisthoven, Julie Van Opdenbosch, and Hilde Santens. Georgia Law students who have contributed to this version and to past editions include: Daniel “Tripp” Vaughn (J.D. ’25), Emina Sadic Herzberger (J.D., ’22), Starlyn Endres (J.D., ’22), and Alina Salgado (J.D., ’23).

Below is an abstract of the book:

The purpose of this Guide is to outline the specific issues and continuing obligations a listed company may be confronted with in Belgium. The point of reference for this Guide is the position of an issuer that is listed on a Belgian regulated market. A listing on a regulated market is subject to more conditions and triggers more ongoing obligations than a listing on any other trading venue. Insight into the organisation and functioning of a regulated market can thus ease the understanding of the regulatory framework of all other trading venues in Belgium.

This Guide deals with topics ranging from company law, corporate governance, finance and tax to opportunities for employee participation and the obligations and status of directors and executive managers. The Guide also covers the reasons and procedures for a possible de-listing, which is an issue that may become relevant to any listed company. Experience has shown that institutional investors and corporate governance rating agencies are keen to gain a deeper understanding of the rights and obligations of the various players that emerge in de-listing. This newly expanded 2024 edition also highlights the impact of important recent developments and insights in the fields of reporting, compliance, sustainability and valuation.

This Guide is conceived as a quick-reference document. All chapters can be consulted separately and the notes allow the reader to find additional information on the topics and issues discussed.

Profits from book sales will be donated to the Orange Belgium Fund, supporting projects that enhance digital inclusion in Belgium. This Fund is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation.

Shannon Green of USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance speaks at Georgia Law

Shannon N. Green, a UGA graduate who serves as the Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), spoke to students at the University of Georgia School of Law last week. The discussion, entitled “Building a Career in Human Rights Diplomacy,” was moderated by Dr. Amanda Murdie, Head of the Department of International Affairs and Georgia Athletic Association Professor of International Affairs.

In Green’s current role, she leads USAID’s efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development. Previously, Green was the Senior Advisor to the Administrator and Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Task Force where she led USAID’s historic elevation of anti-corruption and aligned the Agency’s policies, programming, and resources to counter corruption at a global scale.

Before returning to public service in 2021, Green was the Senior Director of Programs at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and Director and Senior Fellow of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where her research focused on addressing threats to democratic institutions and norms, enhancing justice and accountability, and improving security forces’ respect for human rights.

From 2004 – 2015, Green held a number of positions in the U.S. Government, including as the Senior Director for Global Engagement on the National Security Council. In that role, she spearheaded efforts to deepen and broaden U.S. engagement with critical populations overseas, including the President’s Stand with Civil Society Agenda and young leader initiatives around the world. Prior to that, Green served in the DRG Center, where she developed policies, strategies, and programs to advance political reform and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.

This event was part of a visit organized by the UGA Office of Global Engagement under the leadership of the Associate Provost for Global Engagement, Martin Kagel, as part of the FYOS Global Citizenship Cluster series. The event was co-sponsored by the School of Public and International Affairs.