The European Law and Governance School (ELGS) proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of the 2026 Session of the Academy of European Public Law, marking another year of academic excellence, international dialogue, and intellectual engagement.
For more than three decades, the Academy has brought together students, scholars, practitioners, judges, diplomats, and public officials from around the world to explore the foundations, evolution, and contemporary challenges of European public law. This year's programme continued that tradition, offering participants the opportunity to engage with leading academics and experts through lectures, discussions, and interdisciplinary exchanges.
Beyond the classroom, the Academy served as a meeting point for diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering an international community united by a shared interest in law, governance, democracy, and the rule of law. Participants not only deepened their academic knowledge but also built lasting professional and personal connections within a uniquely international environment.
Held from 24 August to 12 September 2026, the Academy welcomed 24 participants from over 10 countries, bringing together students, researchers and legal professionals from diverse backgrounds to engage with contemporary challenges in European Public Law.
This year's program focused on the theme "Security, Defense and Judicial Review in Contemporary European Public Law", examining the evolving relationship between security policies, European integration, constitutional governance and the protection of fundamental rights. Through lectures, seminars, discussions and practical exercises, participants explored some of the most pressing legal and institutional issues facing Europe today.
Lecturers included Prof. Panayotis Tsakonas (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) teaching on "European Defense and Security" and Prof. Ioannis Karkalis (ELGU Provost) on "Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions".
Special courses were also delivered by :
Prof. Maurizio Mensi, "Technologies and Innovation for Security and Defense: New Frontiers and EU Governance".
Prof. dr Violeta Beširević: "Judicial Review: Law, Politics and Courts as Political Actors"
This year's Guest lecture was delivered by Prof. Paul Craig on "Values and Constitutional Adjudication: The Case law on Article 2 TEU".
A major highlight of the session was the successful defense of dissertations by eight candidates of the Intensive International Master of Laws (I.I.LL.M.) in European Public Law, who were awarded their diplomas following presentations before an international jury.
In honor of the memory of Professor Luis Ortega, this year's Thesis prize was awarded to Ms. Zsófia Papp for her dissertation on: "Assessing EU Youth Employment Policy and Its Implementation in Romania Against the Fundamental Right to Work"
The program concluded in Sounion during the Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law (EGPL), where students had the opportunity to engage with distinguished academics, judges and practitioners from around the world and contribute to discussions on the Reunion's 2026 theme, "New Challenges for the State."
As the Academy enters its fourth decade, the ELGS looks forward to welcoming future generations of students and professionals to this distinguished forum for learning and exchange.
