History of the Academy
The Academy of European Law was founded in 1990 by Professors Antonio Cassese and Joseph H.H. Weiler to promote teaching and scholarship in the fields of European Union Law and Human Rights Law.
The link between these two fields is symbiotic, in the sense that the European Union needs a strong human rights foundation, and because the evolution of human rights law has been affected by developments within Europe. The two fields are thus of vital importance for the evolution of the legal and institutional framework within which the European political entity is emerging.
Prof. Cassese held the Chair of International Law at the EUI and was, among his other responsibilities, foundation President of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture established by the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. He was subsequently elected a Judge (1993-2000), and became foundation President (1993-1997), of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Prof. Weiler held the Chair in European Community Law at the EUI until 1985 and has continued his association with the Institute ever since. He is currently European Union Jean Monnet Chaired Professor and Director of the Jean Monnet Center at the New York University School of Law. Other former Directors of the Academy are Profs. Renaud Dehousse, Francis Snyder, Philip Alston and Gráinne de Búrca.
Current Directors: Profs. Marise Cremona, Loic Azoulai , Francesco Francioni.
Initial funding for the Academy was provided by the European Community. This support has continued, with a specific allocation in the annual Community Budget.
The Academy is an integral part of the EUI, and is linked to its Law Department through its directors, and through the exchange of ideas and advice on the annual summer courses. Lecturers at the Academy sessions are regularly drawn from the Department.
There are normally three directors, selected from the staff in the Law Department, with expertise in European Union Law and Human Rights Law. They are appointed by the President of the EUI on the nomination of the existing directors.
Anny Bremner, Coordinator
Joyce Davies, Project Assistant
Email academy@eui.eu