This summer, five students from our Faculty participated in summer academic programs organized by the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) in Greece. In addition, Dr. habil. Anikó Szalai, Dr. Norbert Tribl and Dr. Gizem Gültekin-Várkonyi took part in the traditional Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law (EGPL).
With scholarships granted by the International and Regional Studies Institute, our students joined different thematic programs organized by the EPLO over the summer. The programs were hosted at the EPLO premises in Legrena and Sounion, on the Attica Peninsula, combining intensive academic activities with an international learning environment.
Migration Summer School
Lilianna Kalotai, a fourth-year law student, participated in the Migration Summer School held in Sounion between 13 and 17 July 2026. This year's program focused particularly on the social and health consequences of migration.
Alongside lectures and discussions, participants had the opportunity to meet and work with fellow students from the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Colombia and Spain. The program also included a study visit to the Melissa Network in Athens, an organization supporting migrant women, where students learned more about migration-related challenges through presentations by psychologists, healthcare professionals and NGO representatives.
The international atmosphere extended beyond the classroom, as the participants stayed only a few minutes from the Aegean coast and had ample opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives with one another.
Global Administrative Law Summer School
Jázmin Gyöngyössy, a second-year student of the English-language Master in International Relations Program, participated in the Global Administrative Law Summer School, which placed particular emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the course of five days, participants explored a different dimension of sustainable development each day, including clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), gender equality (SDG 5), and questions related to institutions and the reform of multilateralism (SDG 16). Lectures were complemented by interactive simulations that encouraged students to approach these issues from the perspectives of different international actors.
In one exercise, students examined the Kvanefjeld mining project in Greenland and negotiated competing environmental, economic and political interests while representing different stakeholders. The program concluded with a study visit to Athens, including visits to the Greek Parliament and the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAAEY). During a parliamentary session, participants also had the opportunity to hear Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis address the chamber.
Academy of European Public Law
Between 24 August and 15 September 2026, Iliász Kosztopulosz, a fifth-year law student, participated in the Academy of European Public Law. The closing period of the Academy coincided with the Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law, where representatives of our Faculty were also present.
Discussions on the future of the European Union formed an important part of this year's Academy. In addition to lectures, the curriculum included interactive workshops led by experts as well as a study visit to ENISA, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity.
One of the highlights of the program was the conference held in connection with the Annual EGPL Reunion, which brought together public-law scholars, practitioners and students from across Europe and provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with current debates in European public law.
Beyond the academic content, our students consistently highlighted the international connections they established with participants from different parts of the world as one of the most valuable aspects of their EPLO experience.
The 2026 Annual EGPL Reunion
This year's Annual Reunion of the European Group of Public Law also marked the 35th anniversary of the first Reunion held in Spetses in 1991, where the initial ideas that would later contribute to the establishment of the European Public Law Organization began to take shape.
Under the overarching theme “New Challenges for the State,” the two-day conference examined emerging challenges confronting states, public institutions and European organizations. The main conference sessions and accompanying workshops brought together scholars from different jurisdictions and fields of public law, creating a forum for discussing how contemporary transformations are reshaping the role and responsibilities of the state.
Our Faculty was represented at the Reunion by Dr. habil. Anikó Szalai, Dr. Norbert Tribl and Dr. Gizem Gültekin-Várkonyi, who joined the international academic community in the discussions and activities of this anniversary meeting with their contributions.
Edited by Dr. Gizem Gültekin-Varkonyi
Reports summarized by Batuhan AYDIN
