The European Public Law Organization (EPLO) convened a high‑level meeting on 3 March 2026 at its Rome Office in San Francesco a Ripa, Trastevere, bringing together distinguished jurists, academics, institutional partners, and representatives of EPLO's expanding network in Italy.
The meeting served as an opportunity to present the Organization's current activities in Italy, the newly inaugurated EPLO Offices and ELGS Headquarters in Rome, and the strategic vision for further growth across the country.
Key Participants
The meeting gathered prominent figures from Italy's legal and academic community, including:
- Prof. Giuliano Amato, President Emeritus of the Constitutional Court of Italy – Honorary President of the ELGS
- Prof. Spyridon Flogaitis, Director of the EPLO
- Prof. Bernardo Giorgio Mattarella, Director of the EPLO Office in Rome
- Mr Francesco Gilioli, Parliamentary Counselor to the Senate of the Republic
- Mr. Luigi Gianniti, Parliamentary Advisor to the Senate of the Republic
- Prof. Marco d'Alberti, Judge of the Constitutional Court of Italy
- Professors and representatives from Sapienza University of Rome, Università di Napoli Federico II, Università di Urbino, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Università Luiss Guido Carli, and other partner institutions as well as high level EPLO, ELGS and Institute staff
Presentation of EPLO and ELGS Activities in Italy
During the meeting, EPLO leadership presented the full scope of the Organization's activities in Italy, including:
- The establishment of the EPLO/ELGS Headquarters in San Francesco a Ripa, now hosting undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
- The steady growth of the European Law and Governance School (ELGS), including its recognition in Italy, and its expanding international student body.
- The successful launch of academic programs in Rome for the 2025/2026 academic year, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD cohorts.
- Recent academic milestones such as the first ELGS PhD defense in Rome, the inauguration of the undergraduate class, and study visits to the Europa Experience Centre and the FAO Headquarters.
- The announcement of the new President of the Rome-based Student Club Association, AELIA Eudocia, Ms. Margherita Potito.
- The award of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education and the first submissions of the School (Jean Monnet Modules, Mobility Programs but also participation in consortia)
- EPLO Publications based in Rome: European Journal of History and Culture (4 issues); Latin American Public Law Review (1st issue)
- EPLO Publications Project Justinian
- Project "Cultural Heritage at Stake, Addressing Looting, Legal Frameworks and International Cooperation"
- Institute of Higher Education, Law and Governance, based in Rome
- Institute for Global Health Emergencies Response, based in Rome
New Initiatives and Institutes
The meeting also outlined EPLO's strategic expansion in Italy, presenting several new initiatives and institutional developments such as the Institute for Local Autonomies in Europe, based in Trento, under the direction of Prof. Fulvio Cortese; the Venice Diplomatic Academy, to be hosted at the EPLO's new Venice premises; proposals to move the headquarters of the EPLO's Institute for the Mediterranean to Naples; and new postgraduate programs, including the LLM in AI, Ethics & Regulation, the LLM in International Trade and Investment Law, the Certificate Program in Medical Law and the PhD program for Georgian Lawyers which is scheduled to start in mid-March (2026).
Strengthening EPLO's Presence in Italy
The meeting reaffirmed EPLO's commitment to deepening its institutional presence in Italy through:
- Stronger partnerships with Italian universities
- Expansion of academic programs and research institutes
- Collaboration with national and regional authorities
- Development of new educational, cultural, and diplomatic initiative
A Shared Vision for Growth
The discussions underscored the shared commitment of EPLO leadership, Italian institutions, and international partners to advance public law, governance, and academic excellence. The Rome meeting marked an important step in consolidating EPLO's role as a hub for legal scholarship, policy dialogue, and international cooperation in Italy.
