The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER), in collaboration with the T.M.C. Asser Institute, is set to host its 11th Summer School on EU External Relations Law from June 24 to 26, 2026, at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) campus in Brussels, Belgium. This annual event aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the European Union’s external relations law, particularly in the context of current geopolitical challenges.
The program features interactive lectures delivered by esteemed academics and discussions led by seasoned practitioners. All sessions will be conducted in English, and participants are expected to attend in person. However, organizers have indicated the possibility of transitioning to an online format if circumstances require.
Admission is open to students, civil servants, and practitioners with a background or practical experience in law, political science, or international relations. Interested individuals are encouraged to register by June 10, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached. Registration involves completing the online form and paying the applicable tuition fee. Notably, six scholarships are available for in-person attendees, covering the tuition fee. These scholarships will be awarded based on merit and financial need. Applicants for the scholarship must submit a motivation letter and a CV by May 22, 2026, with successful candidates being notified by June 1, 2026.
The tuition fees are structured as follows:
- Maastricht University students and alumni: €310 per person
- VUB students: €310 per person
- Non-VUB and non-Maastricht University students: €350 per person
- Practitioners: €650 per person
- Practitioners attending for one day: €150 per person
These fees include lecture materials, a visit to the European External Action Service (EEAS), a certificate of attendance, and catering services. Accommodation is not included.
The three-day program is structured as follows:
- June 24, 2026 (Day 1):
- Opening session on “EU External Relations Law in the Age of Geopolitics: The Power of Law and the Law of Power”
- Lectures on the EU as a global actor, mixed agreements, EU sanctions, and the external dimensions of green and digital transitions
- Reception and networking opportunities
- June 25, 2026 (Day 2):
- Discussions on the EU and the rules-based international order, EU trade policy amid trade wars, and enhancing the effectiveness of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
- Visit to the EEAS, including a session on its role in EU external relations
- June 26, 2026 (Day 3):
- Examination of the European Parliament’s role in EU external relations
- Insights into recent developments from Council and Commission perspectives
- Keynote address by Advocate General Tamara Ćapeta
Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr. Antonios Antoniadis, Senior Legal Counsellor in the Council Legal Service and visiting Professor at UC Louvain
- Prof. Merijn Chamon, Professor of EU Law at VUB and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe
- Prof. Tamara Ćapeta, Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union
- Prof. Peter Van Elsuwege, Professor of EU Law at Ghent University
- Lóránt Havas, Deputy Head of Unit in the Legal Department of the EEAS
- Dr. Eva Kassoti, Senior Researcher in EU and International Law at the T.M.C. Asser Institute
- Dr. Joris Larik, Assistant Professor of Comparative, EU, and International Law at Leiden University
- Anders Neergaard, Head of Unit in the Legal Service of the European Parliament
- Prof. Eleftheria Neframi, Professor of European Union Law at the University of Luxembourg
- Josephine Norris, Member of the Legal Service of the European Commission
- Prof. Andrea Ott, Professor of EU External Relations Law at Maastricht University
- Prof. Ramses A. Wessel, Vice Dean and Professor of European Law at the University of Groningen
The venue for the summer school is the VUB University Main Campus Etterbeek, located at Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels (Elsene). For practical inquiries, participants can contact the Law Events Office, while content-related questions can be directed to Prof. Andrea Ott.
For more detailed information and to register, please visit the Maastricht University events page.