Born in the countryside between Bremen and Hamburg in Germany, Alexander Schuster's path to the Law Department entails diverse educational experiences. Alexander's thirst for knowledge led him beyond Germany's borders: venturing to the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium, he pursued an LLB from Groningen, enriched with a year in Durham, followed by an LLM at the College of Europe in Bruges. Before joining the EUI, he sharpened his practical skills with a traineeship at the European Parliament and then worked as a lecturer in EU law at the University of Groningen for over a year.
Interestingly, the spark that ignited Alexander's passion for international law wasn't a conventional classroom lecture or a legal tome, but rather George Clooney's wedding to Amal Alamuddin. This event led him to discover human rights law for the first time, setting the stage for his academic pursuits. What captivated Alexander about the field of law was its profound ability to shape society and provide insights into the complex world of politics. For Alexander, EU law cannot be examined in isolation; it must always be seen within a broader, interdisciplinary context, and this is what makes it so inherently interesting.
Alexander's journey to the EUI was motivated by a desire for change and, of course, better weather! However, it was the EUI's unparalleled expertise in EU law that truly drew him in. The Institute's interdisciplinary approach, which emphasises the societal context of law, resonated deeply with him. He's particularly excited to be working under the supervision of Law Professor Gráinne de Búrca, a renowned figure in the field of EU law.
Alexander's research focus lies on constitutional law and the intricate interaction between law and politics. Specifically, he is diving into the concept of 'competence creep' within the EU, which refers to the Union and its institutions gradually assuming more power than originally conferred by Member States through the Treaties. While this debate has typically centred on the actions of EU institutions, Alexander's research takes a novel approach by investigating the role of Member States in expanding the Union's competencies through means other than treaty amendments. While many have discussed the 'competence creep' within the EU, focusing on the Union's institutions taking more power than initially conferred, Alexander seeks to examine Member States' roles in this phenomenon, exploring whether and how they expand the Union's competencies beyond treaty-based procedures.
When it comes to long-term career plans, Alexander prefers to let life unfold, embracing opportunities as they come. Guided by values and ideals, he believes in being spontaneous and flexible. Described by friends as having the "enthusiasm of a Labrador", Alexander finds joy in various activities, from political discourses to gym workouts, from cooking to travelling the world. Among the many interesting facets of his life, one that stands out is his experience as a lifeguard and swimming teacher.
Join the Law Department in warmly welcoming Alexander. With his enthusiasm, he is poised to be a valuable enrichment to the EUI community.