European Law Blog

Governance Challenges in AI Data Centres: Navigating Legal and Political Complexities

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As data centres become increasingly integral to the architecture powering artificial intelligence (AI), the legal and political frameworks surrounding them are drawing heightened scrutiny. The intricate interplay of governance, law, and material aspects of these centres necessitates a clear understanding among legal professionals and regulators alike. The discussion on their contested governance underscores the complexity…

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European Law Blog Invites Entries for 2026 Blogger Prize, Encouraging New Voices in Legal Discourse

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The European Law Blog is calling for submissions for the European Law Blogger Prize 2026, inviting legal scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to showcase their writing prowess. This annual competition aims to recognize and reward insightful analysis and commentary on European law and policy, encouraging diverse perspectives within the legal community. The competition has grown in…

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Balancing Surveillance and Privacy: The EU’s Potential Embrace of the “Right to Opacity”

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The interplay between privacy rights and law enforcement’s use of surveillance technologies presents complex challenges within the European Union’s legal framework. An emerging critique of these technologies, particularly by their potential emotional surveillance capabilities, underscores the need for a balanced legal response. This has led to the notion of a “right to opacity,” advocating for…

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EU Digital Services Act Faces Scrutiny Over AI Data Protections and Economic Interests

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) has been lauded for its ambitious scope in regulating online platforms, yet concerns are growing about its impact on the legal framework surrounding artificial intelligence. Notably, the introduction of the Digital Omnibus has sparked debate over its alignment with Article 9, which historically offers robust protections for user…

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Balancing Privacy and Protection: EU Upholds Data Rights for Asylum Seekers Amid Evolving Challenges

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Union’s approach to protecting personal data, particularly for asylum seekers, emerges from a nuanced intersection of privacy and human rights laws. Asylum seekers present unique challenges in this regard, needing both international protection and robust safeguarding of their personal information. The cornerstone of these protections lies in the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation…

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Meta Challenges EU’s Digital Markets Act: A Crucial Test for Gatekeeper Designation Transparency

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The case of Meta Platforms Inc. v. European Commission (T-1078/23) demands careful scrutiny of how the Digital Markets Act (DMA) designation decisions are being formulated. Central to the case is the requirement for transparency and precision in the metrics used to designate “gatekeepers” within the digital economy. The European Law Blog highlights how Meta challenges…

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EU’s Anti-Corruption Directive Faces Scrutiny Over Legal Clarity and National Sovereignty Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The European Union’s legislative framework faces a compelling test with Article 7 of the Anti-Corruption Directive 2026/1021. This Article raises pressing concerns regarding the principle of lex certa, a core tenet of legal clarity and foreseeability. The directive seeks to harmonize anti-corruption laws across member states, yet questions arise about whether this harmonization might infringe…

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The Legal Journey from Housing as Utopia to Enforceable Right: A Global Perspective

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The call for submissions on “The Right to Housing—Between Utopia and Justiciable Entitlement” critically explores how housing is not just a basic need but a potential legal right. This discussion raises questions about whether the aspiration of universal housing can be harmonized with legal frameworks to make it a justiciable entitlement. The discourse has gained…

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Lex Juridica Calls for Papers: Exploring Law and Technology in a Digital Age

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Call for Papers (CFP) for Lex Juridica, a prestigious forum for scholarly dialogue, has been recently announced, capturing significant attention in legal academia. This platform seeks to engage experts in discussions on contemporary legal challenges that resonate across international jurisdictions. The forum’s emphasis is on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, a critical component in addressing complex…

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E.U. Corporate Sustainability Directive Weakened: Lessons from France’s Loi de Vigilance

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which came into force on July 25, 2024, was initially lauded as a significant advancement in corporate accountability. It mandated large companies to identify, prevent, and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts throughout their value chains. The directive also introduced civil liability provisions and empowered…

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European Convention on Human Rights: Strengthening Legal Cooperation and Safeguarding Freedoms Across Europe

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), established in 1950, serves as a cornerstone for safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms across Europe. ([echr.coe.int](https://www.echr.coe.int/en/web/echr/european-convention-on-human-rights?utm_source=openai)) Beyond its primary role in protecting individual rights, the Convention also facilitates international cooperation among member states, particularly in areas such as criminal justice, mutual legal assistance, and the enforcement of…

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Navigating Regulatory Challenges: How AI Exposes Gaps in the EU’s One-Stop-Shop Mechanism

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Union’s regulatory framework has always aimed at a complex balance: ensuring seamless market integration while maintaining effective legal oversight. The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) emphasized this balance. One of its key features is the One-Stop-Shop mechanism, allowing businesses to deal with a single data protection authority across the EU….

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Hungary’s Rule of Law Controversy Tests EU’s Commitment to Democratic Principles

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The complex relationship between Hungary and the European Union over the enforcement of the rule of law has once again come to the forefront, highlighting critical interpretations of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). This article underscores the EU’s foundational values, including respect for democracy, equality, and human rights, which have been…

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CJEU’s Evolving Role in LGBTI Rights: Union Values Case Enhances Human Rights Scrutiny Across EU

Pieter Gunst05 mins

The Union Values case, recently deliberated by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), underscores a pivotal moment for LGBTI rights within the European legal framework. This case probes the CJEU’s evolving role in upholding fundamental human rights within the European Union, particularly through the lens of LGBTI equality. The case emerged from…

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Navigating Jurisdiction: The Complex Interplay of Belgian Public Law and EU Directives

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The complex interplay between Belgian public law and European Union (EU) law presents a tapestry of challenges and opportunities, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions within legal and institutional frameworks. Belgium, a founding member of the EU, continuously navigates the intricate balance of upholding its national legal integrity while aligning with overarching EU policies….

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Examining the Controversies Surrounding Article 114: The Push for a “28th Regime” in the European Union

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The use of Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) as the legal basis for the development of a so-called “28th regime” has stirred nuanced debates among legal experts and scholars. Article 114 is intended to ensure the harmonization of laws necessary for the establishment and functioning of the…

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ECLAN Summer School 2023: Elevating Understanding of EU Criminal Justice System Through Expert Collaboration and Discourse

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As European integration continues to evolve, the judicial collaboration within the EU has become increasingly essential. The ECLAN Summer School, focusing on “The EU Area of Criminal Justice,” serves as a crucial platform for legal professionals, scholars, and policymakers. This event is specifically designed to enhance understanding and discuss the complexities surrounding the European criminal…

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The Normative Power of the EU: Shaping Global Standards through Strategic Communication

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The European Union’s role in shaping global norms extends beyond its legislative ambit, serving as a key communicator on the international stage. This normative dimension of EU communication underscores its influence in forming legal, political, and ethical standards that resonate well beyond its borders. A recent article on the European Law Blog highlights the multifaceted…

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Reimagining Constitutional Identity: Navigating Europe’s Legal Challenges and Opportunities

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The upcoming volume of the European Yearbook of Constitutional Law (EYCL), Volume 9, scheduled for 2027, addresses a significant theme: Reimagining Constitutional Identity in Europe. As Europe continually evolves through socio-political changes, the concept of constitutional identity warrants careful examination. Recent discussions, accentuated by cross-border political dynamics and the rise of populism, underscore the need…

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ECJ Poised to Rethink Locus Standi in Landmark Medel Case, Potentially Transforming EU Legal Access

Pieter Gunst05 mins

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is poised to address a pivotal issue in European jurisprudence with Case C-555/24 P Medel and Others v Council, which presents a unique opportunity to revisit the scope of locus standi for individuals and organizations. The case, which challenges the Council’s decision-making process, may redefine access rights for those…

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“Strategic Litigation: A Crucial Tool to Combat Media Capture in the European Union”

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Union’s media landscape is increasingly threatened by media capture, a phenomenon where media outlets fall under the control of political or economic interests, compromising their independence and pluralism. This issue is particularly acute in countries like Hungary, where the government has been accused of refusing to implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA),…

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Navigating Green and Digital Transitions: Legal Strategies in the European Single Market

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The European Law Institute recently hosted a doctoral workshop focused on exploring the intersections of the green and digital transitions within the Single Market. This gathering brought together young scholars and expert legal minds to discuss key challenges and opportunities arising from these dual transitions. A primary aim was to analyze how current legislation can…

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Legal Decision-Making Amidst Radical Uncertainty: Insights from the University of Lille Conference

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The recent International Conference held at the University of Lille focused on an increasingly relevant topic in the legal community: the legitimacy of legal decisions adopted under radical uncertainties. This gathering provided legal scholars and practitioners with a platform to dissect the complexities arising when decisions must be made without clear guidance or precedent. As…

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