The workshop entitled “The Law of New Technologies at the Crossroads of Security, Defence and Democracy” was held at the premises of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) in Rome (Piazza di Porta Portese 6), bringing together academics, policymakers, legal experts, and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging digital technologies in the fields of security, governance, and democratic resilience.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Prof. Bernardo Giorgio Mattarella, Director of the EPLO Office in Rome, who highlighted the importance of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the legal and institutional implications of rapid technological transformation.
The first panel, “Digital Technologies – Security & Defence,” moderated by Prof. Maurizio Mensi (National School of Administration – SNA), examined the impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructures on European security and defence policies. The discussion featured contributions from Dr. Gizem Gültekin-Várkonyi (University of Szeged), Prof. Paul Nemitz (College of Europe), Mr. Vittorio Calaprice (European Artificial Intelligence Office, European Commission), and Mr. Dimitris Tsaknis (European Law and Governance School).
The second panel, “Digital Technologies – International Order & Democracy,” moderated by Prof. Anikó Szalai (Director of the EPLO Academy of European Public Law, University of Szeged), focused on the broader implications of digital transformation for democratic governance, international cooperation, and the evolving global legal order. Speakers included Prof. Francesco Lapenta (John Cabot University), Dr. Norbert Tribl (University of Szeged), Dr. Giorgio Bartolomucci (Secretary-General of the Diplomacy Festival), and Dr. Réka Szaniszló (University of Szeged).
Throughout the workshop, participants emphasized the growing need for coherent legal and policy frameworks capable of addressing the societal, political, and security implications of emerging technologies, while safeguarding democratic values, transparency, fundamental rights, and the rule of law in the digital era.
The workshop was attended by EPLO visitors, students from ELGS and other universities based in Rome, professors, lecturers, academic members of our Italian community, Ambassador Ugi Zvekic and representatives from International Law Development Organization (IDLO).
