European Law Blog

EU Struggles to Balance Economic and Environmental Objectives Amid Aviation and Maritime Fuel Tax Exemption Debate

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

University of Lille Launches Call for Research on Legitimacy of Legal Decisions Amid Uncertainty

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

Read More

Evaluating Necessity in Proportionality Tests: Balancing Rights Against Government Flexibility

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

EU Reactivates Conditionality Measures Against Poland Amid Judicial Independence Dispute

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

“The Evolving Language of Law: Balancing Humanitarian Principles Amidst Conflict and Peace”

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

European Data Space Initiative: Transforming Europe’s Digital Landscape by 2025

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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….

Read More

New Workshop Empowers Early Career Researchers in Human Rights Law Writing and Publishing

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

Read More

Evaluating Article 16: Balancing GDPR Enforcement with the Digital Services Act in the EU

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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….

Read More

“9th Annual Young European Law Scholars Conference to Explore EU Constitutional Resilience Amid Crises”

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

Navigating the Legal Complexities of Carbon Farming Certification in the Global Push for Sustainability

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

EU’s Return Regulation Proposal Faces Scrutiny Over Detention Alternatives and Human Rights Concerns

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

Greenpeace’s Legal Victory Against Energy Transfer Highlights Need for Stronger Anti-SLAPP Legislation

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

Read More

Nuremberg Forum 2025: A Commemoration and Critique of International Criminal Law at Its 80th Anniversary

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The International Nuremberg Principles Academy is set to host the Nuremberg Forum 2025 from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the historic Courtroom 600 of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. This year’s conference, titled “Strengthening International Criminal Law: 80 Years since Nuremberg,” marks the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials and aims to address contemporary…

Read More

Adapting Private International Law to Address Global Challenges in Uncertain Times

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the rapidly evolving landscape of international commerce and legal complexities, the conference on “Adapting Private International Law in an Era of Uncertainty” underscores the pressing need for legal frameworks to keep pace with global changes. Private international law, which governs cross-border disputes, finds itself constantly grappling with new challenges fueled by geopolitical shifts, digital…

Read More

European Defense Strategies Strengthened with New Legal & Policy Quarterly Publication

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The landscape of European defense and security law is set to gain a new platform for scholarly and practical discourse with the announcement of the European Defense & Security Law & Policy Quarterly (EDSeQ). This initiative, poised to bridge gaps between policy, academia, and legal practice, signifies a concerted effort to enhance dialogue within the…

Read More

Spotlight on European Law: The 2025 Blogger Prize Seeks Exceptional Legal Insights

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Law Blogger Prize 2025 invites submissions from legal professionals and scholars across Europe, continuing its tradition of recognizing outstanding contributions to the discourse on European law. Participants are encouraged to submit blog posts that explore any aspect of European law, showcasing depth, clarity, and originality in their analysis and arguments. The initiative has…

Read More

The Role of Article 114 TFEU in Balancing Market Integration and Sovereignty in the EU

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Single Supervisory Mechanism (ESSU) has been established under Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), a provision traditionally employed to harmonize national laws for the internal market’s effective functioning. This application has sparked debate over whether such use aligns with the constitutional boundaries set by the Treaty….

Read More

EU Considers Strengthening Environmental Non-Regression Principle in Green Deal Efforts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The recent discussions surrounding the legal framework of the European Union’s Green Deal have sparked significant interest in the principle of environmental non-regression. This principle asserts that regulatory measures should not roll back environmental protections, ensuring a steady progression towards sustainability. As the debate intensifies, many legal experts argue that environmental non-regression could potentially become…

Read More

EU Space Act: Europe’s Bid to Lead Global Space Governance and Industry Regulation

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Union is setting its sights on regulating outer space with the introduction of the EU Space Act proposal, which some are likening to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for space. This comprehensive legislative framework aims to address the increasing challenges posed by the rapidly evolving space industry, including issues of traffic management,…

Read More

European Law Blog Unveils Revamped Website with Enhanced Features for Authors and Readers

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The European Law Blog has announced the launch of its revamped website, a significant development aimed at enhancing the platform’s functionality and user experience. The new site, now accessible at https://europeanlawblog.pubpub.org, comes with several new features tailored to better serve both readers and authors. The website transition is accompanied by a switch to a new…

Read More

EU’s AI Act Controversially Overlooks Individualized Rights in AI Regulation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The AI Act, recently released by the EU, aims to regulate artificial intelligence but fails to consider the fundamental concept of AI individualization. Unlike the GDPR, which includes provisions empowering individual data subjects, the AI Act treats AI as merely a phenomenon requiring better organization without embedding user rights or participation. This omission leads to…

Read More

Austria Faces Legal Division Over Environment Minister’s Controversial EU Regulation Vote

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The ongoing coalition crisis in Austria, spurred by Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler’s controversial decision to back the Regulation on Nature Restoration, continues to provoke significant legal debates. Despite the vocal opposition from Chancellor Karl Nehammer and a majority of the Bundesländer, Gewessler voted in favor of the Regulation, leading to questions about the admissibility of…

Read More

EU Court Decision Highlights Gaps in Administrative Law Amid Sanction Misidentification Case

Pieter Gunst04 mins

“`html The recent General Court decision in the Case T-426/21 Nizar Assaad v Council has brought to light critical considerations about legitimate expectations, legal certainty, and economic sanctions within the EU framework. This case, coupled with scholarly reflections such as those from Joana Mendes, raises pertinent questions about whether the existing EU administrative law acquis…

Read More