The 2026 Study Session of the Academy of European Public Law began today at the EPLO–ELGU campus in Legrena–Sounion, welcoming more than 23 students for an intensive three-week programme on “Security, Defense and Judicial Review in Contemporary European Public Law.”
Running from 24 August to 12 September 2026, this year’s Academy examines how rapidly evolving security and defence challenges are reshaping European public law — and how legal systems, institutions and courts respond to these developments while safeguarding democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Contemporary security threats, including hybrid threats and rapidly developing technologies, have placed new demands on European and national legal systems. Questions of collective defence, mutual assistance, resilience and cross-border cooperation increasingly intersect with issues of sovereignty, democratic accountability and fundamental rights.
At the same time, constitutional and supreme courts across Europe are playing an increasingly important role in reviewing administrative action and safeguarding the rule of law. The 2026 Academy brings these developments together, exploring the intersections between international law, EU law and domestic constitutional and administrative law, as well as the evolving relationship between national and European courts.
Through comparative legal analysis, case-law discussions and practical exercises, participants will examine how security policies are shaped and constrained by law, and how judicial and constitutional review can serve as safeguards against arbitrariness and protect individual rights.
From the classroom to the European Public Law Model EU Parliament
The Academy's programme extends beyond lectures and seminars, combining debate sessions, field trips, cultural visits and practical exercises.
A particular highlight will be the European Public Law Model EU Parliament Debate, which will take place as part of the students’ participation in the Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law (EGPL) in Sounion.
Working in teams, students will be assigned a fictitious case concerning a pressing European issue. They will research the problem, prepare position papers and draft proposed solutions before presenting their arguments in a parliamentary-style debate before an EGPL jury.
The exercise gives participants the opportunity to put their academic knowledge into practice while developing skills in legal research, policy analysis, drafting, argumentation, teamwork and public speaking.
The students will also participate in the 2026 Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law, dedicated this year to the theme “New Challenges for the State.”
An intensive international learning experience
The Academy of European Public Law brings together advanced students and young researchers from different legal and academic backgrounds for an intensive experience of European public law. Its interdisciplinary approach encourages participants to engage critically with contemporary legal and institutional challenges while exchanging perspectives with leading academics and practitioners.
The 2026 Study Session will continue until 12 September, when the programme concludes in Sounion alongside the Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law.
EPLO and ELGU are delighted to welcome this year’s participants and wish them an inspiring and rewarding three weeks of learning, debate and intellectual exchange.
