Established in 1990 by Professors Antonio Cassese and Joseph H. H. Weiler, the Academy of European Law is a free-standing unit within the EUI Law Department, providing a space for critical reflection, advanced legal training and intellectual exchange in European law, human rights law and international law.
At the heart of the Academy is its annual summer course programme, which brings together advanced students and experienced professionals from around the world for an intensive and distinctive academic and social experience. The programme combines general courses, specialised lectures and innovative teaching methodologies.
A distinctive feature of the programme is the Academy’s Distinguished Lectures, delivered by leading academics, judges, policy-makers and public office holders. These lectures give participants the opportunity to engage with prominent voices and gain insights into key European and international legal debates.
Participants with advanced knowledge in European Union law and human rights law may also sit the demanding examinations for the Diploma of the Academy. The required standard is exceptionally high, and the diploma is awarded only to candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and comprehensive knowledge of their field.
The Academy extends the impact of its teaching through the Collected Courses of the Academy of European Law, which make selected lectures available to a wider audience. The publications provide accessible introductions to major areas of European law and human rights law, alongside in-depth analysis of selected topics, contributing to a living body of European and international legal scholarship.
Alongside its teaching and publishing activities, the Academy develops research initiatives and collaborative projects responding to current developments in European, human rights and international law. These include the recently developed CJEU Equality Law Database, further strengthening the Academy’s role as a forum for advanced legal inquiry and exchange.
Since 2005, the Academy has also hosted the Secretariat of the European Society of International Law (ESIL). The Secretariat serves as the Society’s administrative and operational hub and contributes to ESIL’s mission of fostering the study and development of international law within an inclusive and dynamic scholarly community.
AEL Brochure
Last update: October 2026
English (713 KB - pdf)