The Academy of European Public Law concluded its 2026 Summer Study Session, marking the 32nd anniversary of one of the flagship educational initiatives of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO).
Held from 24 August to 12 September 2026, the Academy welcomed 24 participants from over 10 countries, bringing together students, researchers and legal professionals from diverse backgrounds to engage with contemporary challenges in European Public Law.
This year's programme focused on the theme "Security, Defense and Judicial Review in Contemporary European Public Law", examining the evolving relationship between security policies, European integration, constitutional governance and the protection of fundamental rights. Through lectures, seminars, discussions and practical exercises, participants explored some of the most pressing legal and institutional issues facing Europe today.
Lecturers included Prof. Panayotis Tsakonas (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) teaching on "European Defense and Security" and Prof. Ioannis Karkalis (ELGU Provost) on "Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions".
Special courses were also delivered by :
Prof. Maurizio Mensi, "Technologies and Innovation for Security and Defense: New Frontiers and EU Governance".
Prof. dr Violeta Beširević: "Judicial Review: Law, Politics and Courts as Political Actors"
This year's Guest lecture was delivered by Prof. Paul Craig on "Values and Constitutional Adjudication: The Case law on Article 2 TEU".
A major highlight of the session was the successful defense of dissertations by eight candidates of the Intensive International Master of Laws (I.I.LL.M.) in European Public Law, who were awarded their diplomas following presentations before an international jury.
In honor of the memory of Professor Luis Ortega, this year's Thesis prize is awarded to Ms. Zsófia Papp for her dissertation on: "Assessing EU Youth Employment Policy and Its Implementation in Romania Against the Fundamental Right to Work"
Beyond the classroom, participants took part in cultural activities, field visits and the Academy's signature European Public Law Model EU Parliament Debate, developing their skills in legal analysis, negotiation, public speaking and collaborative problem-solving.
As tradition dictates, the programme concluded in Sounion during the Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law (EGPL), where students had the opportunity to engage with distinguished academics, judges and practitioners from around the world and contribute to discussions on the Reunion's 2026 theme, "New Challenges for the State."
Founded in 1995, the Academy of European Public Law has welcomed more than 800 students over the past three decades and continues to serve as a leading international forum for advanced study, research and dialogue in European Public Law.
The successful completion of the 2026 session and the graduation of eight new I.I.LL.M. holders once again demonstrate the Academy's enduring commitment to academic excellence and the development of future leaders in the field of public law.
