The recent case of Greenpeace Nordic and Others v. Norway has sparked considerable debate within legal spheres, particularly concerning the environmental responsibilities of states related to new fossil fuel extraction. This landmark decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) examined whether Norway’s licenses for oil exploration in the Barents Sea violated human rights…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of “Agentic Tool Sovereignty” has emerged as a critical consideration for organizations aiming to maintain control over their AI systems. This notion emphasizes the importance of ensuring that AI agents—autonomous systems capable of making decisions and performing tasks—operate within frameworks that uphold data sovereignty,…
In the contemporary digital landscape, the regulation of influence remains a pressing issue, particularly within the European Union. As social media platforms and digital communication channels continue to expand, the need for effective oversight and regulation of influential activities grows. The European Law Blog recently discussed the necessity of a rights-based approach to regulate influence…
On September 3, 2025, the General Court of the European Union delivered its judgment in Case T-553/23, Philippe Latombe v. European Commission, dismissing the action brought by Mr. Latombe seeking the annulment of the European Commission’s Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1795 on the adequacy of the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF). This decision confirms that, at…
The European Union’s recent adoption of a 2040 climate target, aiming for a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, has sparked significant legal and political debate. Central to the controversy is the inclusion of international carbon credits, allowing member states to offset up to 5% of their emissions reductions through…
The European Union’s Asylum Procedures Regulation incorporates a controversial mechanism known as the 20% rule, which ostensibly aims for efficiency in processing asylum applications. According to this rule, if the number of applications from a particular country exceeds 20% of the average over the previous three years, the EU may designate that country as “safe.”…
The right of access to documents within the European Union represents a complex intersection of transparency, legal regulations, and human endeavors. The individuals who navigate this landscape—the legal professionals, policymakers, and advocates—are instrumental in shaping the framework and execution of these access rights. Transparency in the EU is critical for maintaining democratic integrity, and the…
The European Union’s ambition to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) has been a protracted affair, beset with legal and political complexities. While the EU is poised to enhance its human rights framework, it concurrently faces challenges in aligning its climate policies with human rights obligations, posing a compelling juxtaposition in its…
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is on the cusp of making a significant determination regarding what constitutes a “free” service when personal data is exchanged instead of monetary payment. This upcoming decision is poised to impact digital services across the EU, especially those that are currently free to users in exchange…
The legal academic community is gearing up for the 2026 Junior Scholars Conference, a significant event aimed at fostering the intellectual growth and collaboration of upcoming legal minds. Hosted by the European Law Blog, this conference invites junior scholars to engage with topics that push the boundaries of current legal thought. Scholars are encouraged to…
The Call for Papers (CFP) for the European Yearbook on Human Rights 2026 is an important announcement for academics and practitioners in the field of human rights law. This initiative aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and insightful analyses on current human rights challenges faced across Europe and beyond. Researchers are encouraged to contribute by submitting…
In February 2025, the European Commission introduced the “Omnibus I” package, a set of proposals aimed at simplifying existing EU sustainability regulations. This initiative has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that it undermines the European Union’s environmental and social commitments. The Omnibus I package proposes several key changes: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): The…
The European Union’s foundational values—respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights—are facing significant challenges in the current geopolitical climate. In response, the Young BEDER network is organizing a workshop titled “A European Union of Values: Quo Vadis?” to critically examine the future trajectory of these principles within the…
The European Union’s longstanding tax exemptions for aviation and maritime fuels have recently come under scrutiny, raising questions about their legality and alignment with the bloc’s environmental objectives. These exemptions, enshrined in the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) of 2003, have been pivotal in shaping the fiscal landscape for the transport sector. Under the ETD, commercial…
The University of Lille has issued a call for participants to explore the legitimacy of legal decisions made under radical uncertainties. This initiative aims to foster discussion and research on how legal systems can function effectively when faced with unprecedented scenarios lacking clear precedent or guidance. Legal professionals, academics, and practitioners are invited to analyze…
The concept of necessity within proportionality testing has emerged as a pivotal issue in contemporary legal analysis, particularly concerning whether the focus should be on the “less” or the “least” intrusive means. Proportionality tests are applied to evaluate the legitimacy of legislations or actions, especially when these impinge on fundamental rights. Within this evaluation, necessity…
The European Union’s decision to reactivate conditionality measures in Poland has sparked significant attention among legal professionals and policymakers. This move follows ongoing disputes over the rule of law in Poland, which have been a central issue between Warsaw and Brussels. The EU’s conditionality mechanism, which links the disbursement of funds to member states’ adherence…
In times of conflict, the language of law often undergoes transformation, adapting to unprecedented circumstances that require swift and effective responses. This raises the question: does the law maintain its linguistic consistency in both war and peace? The complexities of legal interpretation and application during armed conflict versus peacetime continue to generate significant discourse among…
The initiative known as the European Data Space is set to transform the digital landscape by 2025, aiming to establish a single market for data that ensures the free and secure exchange of non-personal information across sectors and borders. This ambitious vision is designed to bolster innovation and economic growth while safeguarding privacy and competition….
In an effort to bolster research and scholarship in international human rights law, a new workshop titled “Writing and Publishing in the Law of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and other International Human Rights Systems” is extending an invitation to early career researchers. This initiative aims to equip participants with effective strategies for…
The interaction between the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has become a complex area of discussion within legal circles. Article 16 of the DSA introduces the possibility for authorities to issue orders requiring the removal of illegal content, leading to questions about its potential role in addressing GDPR violations….
The Young European Law Scholars (YELS) Conference has established itself as a pivotal platform for emerging legal academics across Europe. The 9th edition of this annual gathering is scheduled to take place at the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Law on 6–7 June 2024. This event continues the tradition of fostering scholarly exchange and collaboration…
The global push towards sustainable practices has spotlighted carbon farming as a viable strategy to offset carbon emissions. This practice, focused on sequestering carbon dioxide in the soil through agriculture, is gaining momentum in mitigating climate change impacts. However, the regulatory framework surrounding carbon farming certification raises complex legal questions that must be addressed. Carbon…
The European Union’s Return Regulation proposal, aimed at streamlining the return of non-EU nationals to their countries of origin, has sparked debate over the alternatives to detention it suggests. Critics argue that these alternatives may only offer a superficial sense of freedom, rather than genuine autonomy. For legal practitioners, the nuances of these alternatives require…
The heightened rhetorical battle between environmental advocacy and corporate litigation recently took center stage in Greenpeace v Energy Transfer, a case that underscores the growing concern around Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These legal maneuvers are employed by corporations to silence critical voices and divert attention from environmental issues. For legal professionals, understanding the…