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. Giorgio Monti

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: 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. The working group is thankful for the generous support of Prof. Federico Romero (History department).

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 EU Financial and Monetary Law Working Group brings together researchers working on topics related to banking and capital regulation in the EU as well as 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). Presentations and interventions by external speakers are also foreseen. The WG further seeks to draw on the activities in the field of finance and Eurozone governance across the EUI (such as the ADEMU project), facilitating synergies in research as well as interdisciplinary approaches. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Stefan Grundmann and Prof. Giorgio Monti.

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.

Law  

Academic Year(s): 2017-2018, 2016-2017, 2015-2016, 2014-2015, 2013-2014, 2012-2013, 2011-2012, 2010-2011, 2009-2010

The European Private Law Working Group has been established with the aim of providing a forum for researchers, fellows and professors willing to present and discuss their work. In order to meet the above-stated goal, the working group will organise guest lectures and workshops. In addition to this, the working group wishes to facilitate open discussion on European private law and especially recent developments in the field. For the purposes of the working group, European private law should be understood in a broad sense, including branches of law such as contract and tort law, consumer protection law, unfair commercial practices, intellectual property law and commercial law, with special attention paid to the interrelationship between primary community law and private law, as well as private law and regulated markets. All of the above contribute to a greater understanding of the European private law system. The group is grateful for the support of Prof. Hans-W. Micklitz. We invite you to contact us if you are interested in private law and/or if you would like to present your research project in the framework of the European Private Law Working Group: europrivatelaw@eui.eu

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's Supervisor are Professor Urška Šadl and Professor Joanne Scott .

Law  

Active since: 2011-2012

The Fundamental Rights Working Group provides a forum for researchers to discuss issues related to the protection of of issues related to the protection of fundamental rights, equality and citizenship in Europe. Recent case-law stands at the centre of the sessions, in particular decisions rendered by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights. Our ambition is to keep track of the latest legal developments and to contribute to research on European fundamental rights protection carried out in various forms at the Law Department. The Working Group invites speakers once a month to give a short presentation and assessment of the relevant subjects, which will be followed by a general (informal and open-minded) discussion. The supporting professor is Claire Kilpatrick.

Law  

Active since: 2014-2015

The Law in Action Project (LiA) was set up with funding from the former EUI president, Joseph Weiler, and a few professors as part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing a form of clinical legal education practice at the EUI. We are now an independent group of researchers that established a firm and productive network of NGOs, human rights clinics and other professionals. We build on our research expertise combined with innovative and creative ways of using the law and making it work for social justice in Europe and beyond. During the academic year of 2014/2015, LiA hosted several events on the themes of clinical legal education and strategic litigation at the EUI campus in Florence, Italy. Invited experts and practitioners discussed the value of strategic litigation and clinical legal education for the protection of human rights, children’s rights, and issues of equality and marginalised groups. Through LiA, EUI researchers are working in collaboration with NGOs and other law clinics throughout Europe in order to provide technical legal assistance in relation to ongoing litigation and advocacy projects.

Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2006-2007

The Information Society working group is an interdisciplinary forum for all those working on topics and themes related to the Information Society, including topics related to Internet Governance, Digital Contestation, the societal, legal and political impacts of new communications technology and digital research methods. Researchers and Fellows from all departments and the Robert Schuman Centre are welcome to attend and contribute to the group. The INFOSOC Working Group has been active at the EUI since Spring term 2006, and is supported by Prof. Giovanni Sartor.

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: Leiry Cornejo Chavez (LAW), Ileana Nicolau (SPS), Paula Zuluaga (SPS), and Gaël Sánchez Cano (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.

Law  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2006-2007

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 legal.theory@eui.eu The current conveners of the working group are Sofie C. Møller (Law) and Rutger Birnie (SPS)

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: Uladzimir Valodzin (HEC), Kamil Karczewski (HEC) and Giovanna Gilleri (LAW). Liaison professor: Pieter Judson.

History and Civilization  Law  Max Weber Programme  Political and Social Sciences  

Active since: 2015-2016

The Nationalism Working Group is an interdisciplinary framework for the discussion of current research projects in the fields of nationalism as well as the most recent developments in the scholarly assessment of the complex problem of nationalism. We intend 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. We encourage the participation of students and scholars who intend to present their research and want to engage in the discussion of this critical concept. The group meets roughly once a month. Faculty liaison: Pieter M. Judson Coordinator: Benoit Vaillot (HEC), Zeynep Simsek (LAW)

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.