Working Groups

Law  

Active since: 2015-2016

The Competition Law Working Group is a forum for discussing issues related to completion law, policy and economics. We wish to bring together researchers interested in theoretical and practical issues associated with the law and economics of competition, as well as in addressing key developments in competition law. The working group organizes two kinds of events: reading sessions related to a specific topic under the supervision of a group member, on the one hand, and presentations by invited speakers on topics of interest for the working group, on the other. Researchers are also welcomed to present their work. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Nicolas Petit, Prof. Pier Luigi Parcu, and Prof. Giacomo Calzolari.

Law  

Active since: 2016-2017

The Constitutionalism and Politics Working Group provides a platform for researchers who are interested in matters related to the (well)functioning of democratic states governed by the rule of law. Whereas politics cannot be exercised without properly operating institutional and legal framework, such a framework cannot make do without politics. It is this interplay between constitutionalism and politics and possible tensions created thereby that is of particular interest to our working group. The WG is devoted particularly to issues related to constitutional backsliding and political crises; constitutional reform and constitutional review; constitutional rights; the functioning of the rule of law: separation of powers in particular and checks and balances in general. Researchers working in areas of constitutional and political theory, legal and political philosophy, as well as history of ideas are particularly welcome. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Gábor Halmai

History and Civilization  Law  

Active since: 2006-2007

The Cultural Heritage Working Group is a space dedicated to research and conversation on issues pertaining to the definition, significance, protection, and regulation of cultural heritage, and cultural rights more generally. The Working Group strongly encourages cross-fertilization of scholarship from multiple disciplines including law, history, politics, and other social sciences such as archaeology. The Group invites guest speakers to present their research and offers a platform for the members of the group to engage with contemporary scholarship. The group is interdisciplinary and welcomes all participants who are interested in heritage protection, the politics and ethics of antiquities trade, museum studies, memory studies, cultural diversity, and cultural identity. The working group is delighted to have the support of Prof. Neha Jain and Prof. Alexander Etkind from the Law and HEC departments respectively

Law  

Active since: 2019-2020

The Working Group “Digital Public Sphere” provides a platform for researchers who are interested in discussing issues related to the use of data and technologies in public law. The main peculiarity of the WG is its division into two different sub-groups with different fields of specialization. The first on the use of data in law enforcement, security and borders control; the second on the technical side, with a particular focus on AI and machine learning. The aim is to offer a fully interdisciplinary platform for researchers working on topics related to the intersection between Law and Technologies in the public sphere. The Group is grateful for the support of Prof. Deirdre Curtin.

History and Civilization  Law  

Active since: 2017-2018

The EU is currently going through a very hard moment: Euroscepticism is spreading and citizens feel distant from the European project. This is why this group aims to "open the doors" of the Institute and connect the EUI with civil society at large. As is well known, civil society and academia are usually considered distant worlds, which often do not speak the same language and with very few things to share. Nonetheless, we believe that our initiative would pursue the twofold objective of making civil society benefit from EUI researchers' skills and knowledge, and providing young engaged academics - from every department - with a “civil society perspective” on their research topics. In practice, the purpose of this WG is thus to organize public debates, conferences and roundtables with citizens, local associations, schools and other institutions on the current challenges that the EU is facing (migration, social policy, gender equality issues, environmental and human rights protection, etc.). For starting, we aim at working "locally", therefore to be a member of the WG a decent level of Italian would be required. However, this will not prevent our WG from going beyond Tuscany or Italy in the future. Coordinators: Mario Pagano (LAW) Faculty liaison: Federico Romero

Law  

Active since: 2008-2009

The field of environmental law is rapidly evolving and continuously impacting different areas of national, European and international law and governance. Environmental protection concerns have spread across many branches of international law: the body of human rights law acts as a prime example, but also other specialized fields such as trade, investment and even humanitarian law illustrate this tendency. Additionally, as a corollary to the proliferation and specialization of international (environmental) law, subfields of environmental law have emerged such as climate change law, energy governance, environmental litigation or environmental justice. The study of these branches relates to broader questions on global governance (of international public goods) and regulatory theories. Given the interest in these areas of a significant number of researchers and Professors at the EUI, access to information on environmental law and climate change law seems key to keep the debate alive and informed within the Institute. The ELG WG is conceived as a forum for EUI researchers and fellows to reflect on key developments in the theory and practice of international environmental law and governance. To this end, the ELG WG will convene a range of activities including workshops, conferences and guest lectures. EUI researchers and fellows will also present, discuss and peer-review their work. Activities will, therefore, include fortnightly lunchtime meetings where researchers can engage with each other’s work. We invite all researchers and fellows interested in topics relating to environmental law and governance to get involved with the ELG WG! The working group is thankful for the generous support of Prof. Joanne Scott.

Law  

Active since: 2016-2017

The European Anti-Discrimination Law Working Group consists of scholars who share a common research interest in anti-discrimination law in Europe. The Group meets on a bi-weekly basis during the academic year. It is designed to facilitate discussion about new developments in anti-discrimination law and provide a forum where researchers have the opportunity to present their work and solicit feedback from their colleagues. We welcome submissions at all stages of the drafting process, from exploratory works-in-progress to articles that are being revised for final publication. The Group focuses mainly on the CJEU, ECtHR, and the comparative study of anti-discrimination regimes within and outside of Europe. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Claire Kilpatrick. THE GROUP IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

Law  

Academic Year(s): 2016-2017

The European Union Law Working Group is an initiative of new researchers from the Department of Law whose research projects are related to various domains of European Union Law. Research interests are diverse and include EU constitutional law, the EU institutions, protection of fundamental rights, data protection, financial stability, Banking Union, euro crisis law, EU external relations and trade law. The Group's main goal is to provide a platform for regular peer-review of developments in the research of its members. The timetable for the current academic year envisages meetings, twice a month. In the first term, discussion will concentrate on First Year Researchers' preliminary research questions. The focus of meetings in the second and third terms will be determined by developments in members' research and interests. All EUI law researchers, LL.M. or Ph.D., looking for opportunities to receive a feedback on their work from their peers, are welcome to participate in the Group. Researchers from other departments who are interested in issues related to EU law, as well as professors, fellows, visiting researchers and other academics, are also welcome. The group is grateful for the support of Professor Urška Šadl and Professor Joanne Scott .

Law  

Academic Year(s): 2019-2020, 2018-2019, 2017-2018,

The Finance, Innovation and Regulation Working Group brings together researchers working on topics related to the regulation of financial services, EU banking and capital regulation, with the aim to advance the debate on the disruptive changes and regulatory challenges brought by the recent wave of technological innovation, both at the service and infrastructure levels. Moreover, the working group is open to discussion of the Eurozone governance matters, including those pertaining to monetary policy and institutional questions. The group is conceived as a forum for specific discussions and presentations of papers covering this field (including peer review). Researchers and Fellows from all departments and the Robert Schuman Centre are welcome to attend and contribute as the working group seeks to facilitate synergies in research as well as interdisciplinary approaches. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Mathias Siems and Prof. Peter Drahos.

Law  

Active since: 2011-2012

The Human and Fundamental Rights Working Group provides a forum for researchers to discuss issues related to the protection of human rights at domestic, regional and international levels. As of April 2019, this Working Group combines the former Fundamental Rights Working Group (established in May 2011) and the Human Rights Working Group-Law in Action Project (newly relaunched in April 2018). The Working Group organises ad hoc events with invited external and internal speakers, and welcomes EUI researchers’ presentations. It also provides an informal forum for discussing ideas, papers and case law through monthly meetings of its members. Our ambition is to keep track of the latest international and European legal developments and to contribute to research on human rights protection carried out in various forms at the EUI’s LAW Department and beyond. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Sarah Nouwen

Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2006-2007

The Information Society Working Group (InfoSoc WG) is an interdisciplinary forum for EUI researchers and fellows from all departments and the Robert Schuman Centre to reflect on key developments in the theory and practice on topics and themes related to the Information Society, Internet Governance, and Intellectual Property rights. The InfoSoc WG has been active at the EUI since Spring term 2006, and is currently supported by Prof. Peter Drahos.

Law  

Active since: 2021

The International Economic Law and Policy Working Group (IELP WG) is a researcher-led, interdisciplinary initiative bringing together scholars that share an interest in the multifaceted world of international trade and investment law as well as economic integration and governance. As indicated by the name of the Working Group, we offer a forum to discuss not only economic law in the strict sense, but also interdisciplinary analyses of trade and investment policy. Being based at the European University Institute, we have a distinct, though not exclusive, focus on the European Union in the world. Questions surrounding international economic law and policy are quickly evolving. In the past years, we witnessed the increased scrutiny of dispute settlement mechanisms in bilateral trade and investment agreements as well as in the WTO. The aftermath of the global financial crisis marked the beginning of a reassessment of global financial regulations. Furthermore, the potential role of trade agreements in the advancement of non-trade issues, such as human rights, labor rights and environmental protection, is also gaining momentum. All the while, the transition from a world based on a multilateral order to a division in regional blocs continues. These trends are but the tip of the iceberg as to what is to come for international economic law in a time of shifting power balances around the world that lead to the re-contestation of the traditional rules of the game. Therefore, the IELP WG is dedicated to an open atmosphere that welcomes speakers and discussants with diverse backgrounds and original approaches to international economic law and policy. Practically, the Working Group offers a range of activities including workshops, conferences and guest lectures as well as a platform for researchers from and outside the EUI to present and discuss their work with peers. The IELP WG benefits from the generous support of Prof. Jürgen Kurtz and continues the work of the former International Trade and Investment Law Working Group.

Law  

Active since: 2005-2006

The International Law Working Group (IL WG) is a forum for EUI researchers to better inform themselves on key developments in the area of international law. Throughout the year, researchers convene a range of activities to reflect their research interests as well as to reflect on current developments in the practice of international law. Activities include fortnightly lunchtime meetings where researchers can discuss each other’s work and also include workshops or conferences, lectures, and are often held in collaboration with other working groups. The IL WG is a continuation of the International Criminal Law Working Group established in 2002 at the initiative of Prof. Pierre-Marie Dupuy, and is currently supported by Professors Martin Scheinin, Francesco Francioni and Nehal Bhuta.

History and Civilization  Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2016-2017

After two centuries of formal independence from European imperial powers, Latin America is no longer regarded as a “recipient” of ideas, but as a region generating its own objectives and developing its own path. In the last decades, it has experienced extensive economic growth, and has gone through complex and unique processes of democratization and transitional justice, as well as regional integration. A product of intricate historical realities, Latin America is still challenged by high rates of inequality and poverty, occurrence of State’s and non-State actors’ violence, non-democratic practices, and discrimination based on gender and race. The Latin America Working Group is the forum of reflection on Latin American topics at the European University Institute. It holds seminars and workshops where researchers can discuss their work on an interdisciplinary basis. Through its informal talks and its blog, the working group promotes informed reflection on current Latin American issues. On top of this, the working group is a network of current and former EUI researchers, as well as external researchers, working in connection with Latin America. Faculty liaison: Regina Grafe (HEC) and Philippe Schmitter (SPS). Coordinators: Julie Wetterslev (LAW), Victoria Garin Gimenez (LAW), Pablo Cañon García (HEC), Irina Muñoz Ibarra (LAW) and Asensio Robles Lopez (HEC).

Law  

Academic Year(s): 2016/2017

The Law and Economics Working Group is a forum for discussing the developments in the dialogue between legal and economic scholarship. The aim is to gather researchers interested in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of adopting an economic-informed methodology in their research as compared to purely legal approaches or to approaches grounded in other social sciences. The working group organizes two kinds of events. First, reading sessions related to a specific topic (examples could be: efficiency vs distribution; L&E descriptive and/or normative theories of value, norms, remedies, enforcement, contracts, financial services, competition, non-market behaviour, law-making, judicial decisions; comparative institutional analysis), possibly under the supervision of a group member. Researchers can also present their work, provided it applies or discusses a law and economics framework. Second, presentations by invited speakers on topics of interest for the working group. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Giorgio Monti and Prof. Stefan Grundmann. THE GROUP IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2006-2007

Active until: 2019-2020

The Legal and Political Theory Working Group was founded in 2002 when a few researchers met to discuss their papers. Its aim is to provide both established academics and PhD researchers an opportunity to discuss and improve their theoretically-oriented work within a friendly yet academically rigorous setting. A typical session lasts two hours and consists of a short (20/30 minute) presentation by the speaker followed by discussion. One of the working group’s most cherished traits is its openness; we are proud to have been the hub of theoretically-minded people at the EUI for so many years and to have successfully bridged the cleavages between EUI’s departments and academic traditions. Hence, if your work deals with any strand of legal or political theory, or simply think that your research will benefit from theoretical insights, do get in touch at [email protected] The current conveners of the working group are Szymon Osmola (Law) and Pavel Skigin (SPS). The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Andrea Sangiovanni and Prof. Martijn Hesselink.

History and Civilization  Law  

Active since: 2017-2018

LGBTI and queer studies working group aims to provide an environment for discussions on different issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people. We plan to discuss papers written by EUI researchers, exchange thoughts on queer theory and occasionally invite guest speakers. Researchers studying gender and sexuality from historical, political, sociological, legal and economic perspectives are warmly welcomed to attend our meetings and present their ideas. We would be pleased to see at our events members of the EUI LGBTI community, for we would like to maintain a link between academic studies and the social groups in question. Coordinators: Enise Seyda Kapusuz (HEC), Sophia Ayada (LAW) Liaison professor: Pieter Judson.

History and Civilization  Law  Max Weber Programme  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2015-2016

This Working Group is no longer active. The Nationalism Working Group was an Interdisciplinary Research Working Group of Researchers at the European University Institute (2016-2020) for the discussion of current research projects in the fields of nationalism. It intended to cover theoretical and conceptual problems of nationalist movements, sub state nationalism, citizenship, colonialism and anti-colonial movements, diaspora nationalism, nationalist ideology and indifference, and many other fields and problems in past and in present. The participation of scholars who intended to present their research and wanted to engage in the discussion of this critical concept was encouraged. Former Coordinators: Jan Rybak (HEC), Feike Fliervoet (SPS), Zeynep Simsek (LAW), Benoit Vaillot (HEC)

Law  

Active since: 2009-2010

Active until: 2020-2021

The Private Law Working Group has been established with the aim of providing a forum for researchers willing to present and discuss their work. It attempts to facilitate an open discussion about the recent developments in private law, with particular emphasis on European private law. For the purposes of the working group, private law is understood in a broad sense including property, contract and tort law, consumer protection law, unfair commercial practices, intellectual property law and commercial law, private law international law, as well as general theory of private law and the relationship between private law and regulated markets. The hope is that the discussions of the working group will contribute to a greater understanding of private law and its role in the contemporary society. In order to meet this goal, the working group will organise the series of presentations by both PhD researchers and established academics, guests lectures and workshops. If you are interested in private law and/or you would like to present your research in the framework of the Private Law Working Group, do get in touch at [email protected] The current conveners of the working group are Grigoris Bacharis, Victoria Garin Gimenéz and Szymon Osmola. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Martijn Hesselink.

Economics  Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2006-2007

The Relex Working Group is a researcher-run group, intended to bring together researchers of all disciplines interested in EU External Relations. The group meets regularly once a month to discuss topics covering the following areas: The EU as a Foreign Security and Defence Policy Actor The EU’s Role in the World The EU as an exporter of norms EU Actors and Institutions shaping European External Action The Role of Member States in the EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy The Role of the European Court of Justice in External Relations The Post-Lisbon Common Commercial Policy We strongly encourage our members to present and discuss their research in the working group which, as an informal forum, provides a friendly atmosphere to receive comments, suggestions and opinions on your subject and methodology. We also invite visiting scholars and external speakers to participate in the working group sessions, present their work and exchange views with resident working group members. In addition, the working group also organises workshops, seminars and conferences in the area of EU External Relations. Throughout the year, we would like our members to create a mutually supportive network and we strongly encourage participants to attend on a regular basis to create a cohesive group and provide continuity to discussions.