EU Law for Non-Lawyers

This course will provide you with a concentrated, in-depth introduction to the legal system of the EU and the most important principles governing the enforcement of European Union law.

The EU legal system and the relationship between EU law and national law

The first part of the course studies the repartition of competences of the EU and Member States in the regulation of policy sectors, analyses in detail the typology of EU legal acts adopted at the EU level, and comments on their respective legal force along with their impact on state authorities and individuals. Finally, it evokes 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.

The EU judicial system and enforcement of EU law

The second part firstly 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 detailed and practical account of the various procedures which may be brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union 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.

Course methodology

The course includes several sessions that analyse key legal topics using practical case examples. Particular importance is given to the case law of EU courts and national constitutional courts in order to emphasise the practical implications of EU membership for national legal orders. Participants will be able to interact with experts throughout the day and especially at the various Q&A periods following each respective content session.

Moreover, in order to ensure an enhanced learning outcome for participants, the programme proposes various practical examples and group discussions, resulting in a high level of dynamism, the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, address practical legal problems, etc.

The course is essential for any professional confronted with EU measures in their work. The course will provide participants from various sectors and with non-legal background a comprehensive understanding of the EU legal system and its impact on the public and private sector alike. The course will put particular emphasis on the ways rights and obligations stemming from the treaties can be triggered against private and public actors.

This course aims to provide you with a clear overview of the EU, its structure, regulatory competences and internal procedures. It will also help you to navigate through the jungle of various legal acts that are adopted at the EU level, and to gain confidence when reading and analysing EU law-related documents. In addition, you will become familiar with different ways of challenging breaches of EU law before the Court of Justice of the EU.

• Public sector employees from Member States and candidates/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 servants 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;
• Employees of non-governmental organisations and of the private sector that work on public affairs.

Project number: 2550401

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

Programme Organiser
Ms Elisa Dolci
Tel: +352 691 108 038
e.dolci@eipa.eu

Fee
The fee includes documentation, refreshments and a lunch. 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, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, 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.