EU Law for Non-Lawyers – Introduction

What is the EU? Who does what in the EU? And what does the EU do for its citizens?

Addressing these major questions, this three-day course will provide you with a concentrated, in-depth introduction to the legal system of the EU and the most important principles governing the adoption and enforcement of EU law.

The first module introduces the fundamental characteristics of the EU legal system and provides an overview of the system of legal acts adopted at the EU level as well as the decision-making process for the adoption of EU law.

The second module addresses the interpretation, application and enforcement of EU law, including through various procedures before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The third module provides an overview of the substantive action of the EU in the Internal Market, the protection of fundamental rights, and in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.

The course relies on practical examples and where relevant, will shed light on recent developments to illustrate the contents.

The programme is divided into three modules to offer you flexibility in adapting the course to your needs. Each module can be attended separately. If you prefer to attend only one or two modules, please click on ‘Book module(s)’ and select the module(s) of your choice.

Module 1. The fundamental characteristics of the EU legal system and the production of EU law
This module studies the repartition of competences of the EU and Member States in the regulation of policy sectors, analyses how the various types of EU legal acts are adopted at the EU level, and comments on their respective legal force and their impact on state authorities and individuals. It also explains the fundamental concepts (primacy, direct effect, state liability, etc.) governing the relations between EU and national law, and their practical consequences on the daily work of national magistrates, law enforcers, members of the legislative authorities, etc.

Module 2. Interpretation, application and enforcement of EU law
This module depicts the organisation of the judicial space in the EU, clarifying the respective role of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) and the national jurisdictions in the enforcement of EU legality. Secondly, it describes the structure and competences of the CJEU. Finally, it provides a practical account of the various procedures which may be brought before the CJEU by EU institutions, Member States, and natural and legal persons to contest the legality of EU action to prosecute an alleged breach of EU law by a Member State, or to interrogate the Court about the meaning of an EU law provision.

Module 3. Introduction to substantive EU law : the Internal Market, the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice and the protection of fundamental rights
This module provides an introduction to how EU law regulates key policy areas. We will cover the basics of fundamental freedoms in the Internal Market, the specific rights arising from EU citizenship including the freedom of movement and residence. We will also present the EU’s system of protection of fundamental rights and we will provide an introduction to the EU’s Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, within which the EU has been developing its asylum policy as well as judicial cooperation.

Course methodology

Prior to the event, you will be given access to the course materials on our digital learning platform. There you will also find a short questionnaire, which will help us identify any specific questions you may have in order to consider as many of them as possible during the course.

Preparatory readings, materials and assignments will be placed on the platform to facilitate joining the course. All course materials will be made available for the participants.

After the event, additional materials and references to relevant literature, documents and/or websites will be put at your disposal on our learning platform.

This course will help you to navigate through the ‘jungle’ of various legal acts that are adopted at the EU level. In addition, you will acquire a systematised knowledge of the EU decision-making process and become familiar with different ways of challenging breaches of EU law before the Court of Justice of the EU. You will also acquire knowledge and understanding of the EU’s action in the internal market, fundamental rights protection, and the area of freedom, security and justice.

The course will also offer networking and exchange opportunities between participants. Various small group exercises and discussions will promote interactivity and provide enhanced learning opportunities.

• Public sector employees from Member States and Candidates and pre-Candidates administrations \in charge of, or involved in, the transposition of EU law and in the administrative application of EU legal requirements;
• Elected officials from the above-mentioned entities, holding a political mandate and responsible for conceiving and devising public policy on the basis of EU demands and requirements;
• Civil servant and personnel from EU institutions, offices and agencies
• Personnel from offices in Brussels in charge of the representation and advocacy of professional and territorial interests vis-à-vis EU institutions and in formal and informal negotiation fora
• Private sector employees who need to understand the specificities of the EU’s legal system

Course venue
European Centre for Judges and Lawyers – EIPA Luxembourg
8 rue Nicolas Adames
1114 Luxembourg

Programme Organiser
Ms Nourhene Idani
Tel: +352 426 230 305
n.idani@eipa.eu

Fee
The fee includes documentation, refreshments and lunches. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

Discounts
EIPA member fee
EIPA offers a discount to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s supporting countries, and civil servants working for an EU institution, body or agency.

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies.

Early bird discount
The early bird discount is not cumulative with other discounts or promo codes, except for the EIPA member fee.

Loyalty coupon
As a token of appreciation we offer all our participants a loyalty coupon for one of our future courses. The offer can be shared with colleagues and relevant networks. The coupon will expire one year after its release. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts, except for the EIPA member fee.

Meals
Dietary preferences can be indicated on the registration form.

Hotel reservations
EIPA has special price arrangements with a number of hotels. Most rates are including breakfast and tourist tax. Should you wish to make use of this possibility, please book directly via the links below. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel upon checking out.

Kirchberg

• Hotel D’Coque***, via https://www.coque.lu/coque-hotel-superior/online-booking, tel.: +352 43 60 60 222

Luxembourg Centre

• Hotel Parc Plaza****, at the rate of €182, (Reservation code: EIPA0118): https://www.goereshotels.com/parc-plaza-en
• Hotel Parc Bellevue***, at the rate of €150, (Reservation code: EIPA0118): https://www.goereshotels.com/belle-vue-en: +352 44 23 23 23 23; e-mail: reservation@goereshotels.com;
• Hotel Simoncini****, at the rate of €190, tel.: +352 22 28 44; e-mail: simhotel@pt.lu or simoncinihotel@pt.lu; https://www.hotelsimoncini.lu/.

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed online registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation.

Cancellation policy
For administrative reasons you will be charged €150 for cancellations received within 15 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants. EIPA reserves the right to cancel the activity up to 2 weeks before the starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).

A few days before the start of the course you will receive the log-in details for accessing the course materials. You can log in here.