EVENTS IN 2025
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Integration-through-Law: Grand Theory, Revisionist History – 10 December 2025, Great Hall, King’s College London
The Lecture was delivered by Professor Robert Schütze, University of Durham. It was attended by 40 people and was followed by a lively Drinks Reception and a Formal Dinner at Haxell’s Restaurant, Palace Strand Hotel.
UKAEL Student Evening at Hogan Lovells – 19 November 2025
This is always an informal occasion for students to meet EU Law professionals and fellow EU Law students. The presentations addressed the practice of EU Law in different sectors of the professional world. Speakers covered typical work scenarios and career patterns in their field and answered questions during the reception hosted by Hogan Lovells International LLP. This was a lively occasion with approx. 70 students attending (University of Law, King’s College London, Middlesex University, University College London, City Law School).
Programme:
The International Law Firm: Andrew Eaton, Hogan Lovells International LLP
The Government Legal Department: Alex Cooke, EU Relations Legal Advisers
Academia: Prof Oana Stefan, King’s College London
The Bar: Anneli Howard KC, Monckton Chambers
EU Institutions: Niall Coghlan, Council Legal Service
Chair: Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, Secretary UKAEL
UKAEL Young Researchers Workshop at City St George’s, University of London – 6 November 2025
The Workshop offered an opportunity for young researchers to discuss their work with leading EU law scholars and to network with other academics working in the same or related fields. The workshop included mini masterclasses on “How to Craft a Doctoral Thesis” by Prof Paul Craig and on “How to Write an Article for Publication” by Prof Panos Koutrakos. The event was followed by a lively drinks reception for the 20 participants.
Topics covered were: “Reassessing the Goals of EU Competition Law: The Case of Dark Patterns in Digital Markets” by Nam Phuong Ngo (University of Liverpool); “Smart Contracts and EU External Relations: Challenges and Opportunities for Consumer and Business Protection” by Andikara Honour Etiubon (University of Law); ”Towards a Framework of Effectiveness for Competition Law Remedies” by Christos Kalykas (King’s College London); and “Surveilled – Unresolved Rights” by Ashwati Soman (Brunel University).
EU law experts Prof Paul Craig, Prof Elaine Fahey, Prof Panos Koutrakos and Prof Theodore Konstadinides provided feedback on the presented papers.
Joint UKAEL/NVER Webinar: “A Re-set in UK-EU Relations(?)” – 10 April 2025
There had been much talk of a re-set in relations between the UK and the EU, which are influenced by rapidly changing geopolitical developments. This webinar considered four important areas in which there had been discussions of a closer relationship: defence and security; financial services; fisheries policy; and youth mobility. The webinar brought together four expert speakers, two from the UK (Prof Niamh Moloney and Prof Catherine Barnard), one from the Netherlands (Prof Joris Larik), and one from the European Commission (Anthony Dawes), to discuss these issues. The webinar was chaired by Prof Paul Craig, President of the UKAEL, and Prof Sybe de Vries, President of the NVER, the Dutch Association for EU Law. There were 48 attendees.
UKAEL Webinar: “CityFlyer and Retained EU Law” – 19 February 2025
In Lipton v BA Cityflyer, the Supreme Court considered the way in which EU rights acquired when the UK was still a member of the EU, and which remained the subject of litigation after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, should be treated. The issue had been the subject of academic discussion. The Supreme Court was divided as to the applicable law. For the majority, the accrued right of action was part of ‘retained EU law’ under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the consequence being that the Liptons could no longer rely, as a matter of right, on any CJEU judgments. For the minority, the Liptons could rely on CJEU judgments prior to the end of the transitional period, this view being based on the Interpretation Act 1978 and the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The Webinar considered these contrasting views and the implications for future litigation. With presentations from Prof Paul Craig, Julian Ghosh KC and Laura Ruxandu. 28 people attended.
EVENTS IN 2024
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Brexit in the Context of a Changing Europe – 3 December 2024, Great Hall, King’s College London
The Lecture was delivered by Prof Catherine Barnard, University of Cambridge.
Prof Barnard looked at first, how Brexit had panned out since the UK left the EU and second, how the EU had changed since Brexit. She then examined the challenges currently facing the EU, as outlined in the Letta and Draghi reports and the implications of these for the UK. Finally, Prof Barnard analysed what might be possible under the banner of a reset of relations with the EU. The Lecture was attended by 60 people and was followed by a lively Drinks Reception and Formal Dinner.
UKAEL Webinar: “The EU AI Act” – 25 November 2024
There was an abundant literature on legal issues raised by artificial intelligence, automated decision-making and algorithms. The EU had enacted a major piece of legislation on the topic, in the form of Regulation 2024/1689, the EU AI Act 2024. The intention was to introduce a harmonised approach to AI regulation across the EU, which would facilitate a legal framework for the development, marketing and use of AI in conformity with EU values, complemented by machinery to enforce the rules. Central features of the new regulation were analysed by Prof Rebecca Williams (University of Oxford), Prof Ignacio Cofone (University of Oxford) and Dr Michael Veale (University College London). There were 45 attendees.
UKAEL Student Evening at Hogan Lovells: 13 November 2024
The UKAEL invited students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to an evening of short talks on practising EU Law. This was, as always, an informal occasion to meet EU Law professionals and fellow EU Law students. The presentations addressed the practice of EU Law post-Brexit in different sectors of the professional world. Speakers covered typical work scenarios and career patterns in their field and answered questions during the Q&A. The meeting was followed by a reception hosted by Hogan Lovells International LLP. 70 students from the University of Law, Middlesex University, King’s College London and City, University of London attended as well as 13 trainee solicitors from Preiskel, Bristows and Pinsent Masons.
Programme:
The International Law Firm: Christopher Hutton, Hogan Lovells International LLP
The Government Legal Department: Alex Cooke, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Academia: Prof Oana Stefan, King’s College London
The Bar: Prof Suzanne Rab, Serle Court Chambers
Chair: Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, Secretary UKAEL
UKAEL Young Researchers Workshop at City, University of London – 4 November 2024
The Workshop offered an opportunity for young researchers to discuss their work with leading EU law scholars and practitioners and to network with other academics working in the same or related fields. The event was followed by a drinks reception.
Topics covered were: “Fundamental Rights Violations and the Normalisation of Pushback Practices at the European Union’s Eastern Borders” (Vanessa Topp, University of Essex); “Sanctioning Without Scrutiny: The Role of Proportionality in EU Sanctions Law” (Marie Terlinden, KU Leuven); “The Copyrightability of AI ‘Prompts’ in EU Law” (Eden Howard, University of Cambridge); and “The Recent Evolution of Sustainability Clauses in EU Trade Agreements” (Julien Mieral, University of Cambridge).
EU law experts Prof Paul Craig, Prof Elaine Fahey, Prof Panos Koutrakos and Prof Oana Stefan provided feedback on the presented papers.
UKAEL Webinar: “Public Procurement Post-Brexit” – 7 October 2024
Public procurement was regulated by EU law prior to Brexit. It is an important topic both in terms of the subject matter and the sums of public money expended on public procurement. The UK has now enacted the Procurement Act 2023 to regulate this area. This webinar looked at the background to the Act and its structure, and then explored two subjects of broad interest in the context of post-Brexit legislation, namely: interpretation, including use of past case law, in the light of post-Brexit objectives; and the impact on the UK’s internal market. Speakers included Professor Paul Craig (President UKAEL), Professor Sue Arrowsmith KC (Hon) (University of Nottingham) and Professor Luke R.A. Butler (University of Nottingham). 26 people attended.
UKAEL Webinar: Horizontal Direct Effect of Directives: Reconfirmation of Orthodoxy – 23 May 2024
There had been a considerable volume of case law, coupled with a significant body of academic commentary, dealing with the direct effect of directives, and more especially the fact that they do not have horizontal direct effect. The CJEU also articulated several ways in which directives can nonetheless have some measure of enforceability falling short of horizontal direct effect. This juridical approach was reconfirmed in Case C-261/20 Thelen Technopark Berlin EU:C:2022:33. The webinar analysed the ruling against the backdrop of the earlier case law and academic commentary. There were presentations by Professor Paul Craig (President UKAEL), Professor Theodore Konstadinides (University of Essex) and Professor Bruno de Witte (Maastricht University). 33 people attended.
UKAEL Webinar: Preliminary Rulings: Current Reforms and Future Prospects – 22 February 2024
There had been considerable discussion over the years concerning possible reforms to the system of preliminary rulings under Article 267. The EU courts have proposed reforms whereby the General Court would be given jurisdiction over preliminary rulings in certain limited areas. This webinar examined the proposed changes and placed them in the broader context of reforms to the EU judicial system. The speakers were Professor Paul Craig (President UKAEL), Professor Sara Iglesias Sanchez (Universidad Complutense of Madrid) and Professor Michal Bobek (Judge at the Supreme Administrative Court of the Czech Republic). There were 30 people attending.
EVENTS IN 2023
UKAEL Seminar: EU Law in the UK since Brexit – 4 December 2023, Matrix Chambers, Gray’s Inn, London
The panel discussed the status of EU law in the United Kingdom since the end of the transition period on 31st December 2020. The consequences of this radical change in the constitutional and legislative structure of the United Kingdom are still in flux, with a further major statutory change pending at the end of 2023. 40 legal practitioners, academics and students attended the seminar and joined the speakers for a lively drinks reception hosted by Matrix Chambers.
Programme
Chair: Jessica Simor KC
Rhodri Thompson KC: Breaking up is hard to do – a short history of EU law in the UK since 2010
Prof Paul Craig: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the UK statutory position
Jack Williams: The position from 2024: The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023
UKAEL Young Researchers Workshop – 28 November 2023, City, University of London
The Workshop offered an opportunity for young researchers (PhD and MPhil students) to discuss their work with leading EU law scholars and practitioners and to network with other academics working in the same or related fields.
Topics covered included: “The Role of Common Constitutional Traditions in Substantiating Article 2 TEU” (Miriam Schuler, King’s College London); “Competition Law in Times of Democratic Crisis” (Guillermo Iniguez, University of Oxford); “The Double-Edged Nature of EU Accession Criteria” (Ewa Garbarz, University of Leicester) and “Minimum Harmonisation in the Internal Market” (Juan Collado Perez-Llantada (University of Liverpool).
EU law experts Prof Paul Craig, Prof Panos Koutrakos, Prof Elaine Fahey and Dr Isidora Maletic provided feedback on the presented papers.
UKAEL Annual Lecture: EU Retained Law: Purposive Interpretation when the Constitutional Architecture Changes – 20 November 2023, Great Hall, King’s College London
The Lecture was delivered by Justice of the Supreme Court, The Right Hon Lord Sales.
The UK courts followed the EU’s interpretative rules and principles when applying EU law. They adopted the purposive interpretative approach of the CJEU, which is informed by the general constitutional architecture and purposes of the EU as an organisation. The legislative framework for withdrawal from the EU seeks to ensure the continuity of a purposive interpretative approach in respect of retained EU law, but important questions arise about how this should work. The constitutional architecture has changed, as the UK peels away from the EU’s legal order. How should UK courts identify the purposes of retained law without the EU’s institutional assistance, determine which general EU purposes remain relevant to the UK in the post-Brexit landscape, and decide when it is appropriate to depart from the CJEU’s case law? The answers will inform the extent to which the UK courts’ interpretation of retained EU law should be required to ‘aim off’ from purposive interpretations of EU law delivered by the CJEU while seeking to preserve legal certainty.
There were 90 attendees most of whom joined the speaker at the Drinks Reception which was followed by a very well-attended Formal Dinner.
Full text of the lecture here.
UKAEL Student Evening – 13 November 2023, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
The United Kingdom Association for European Law invited students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to an evening of short talks on practising EU Law. The presentations addressed the practice of EU Law post Brexit in different sectors of the professional world. Speakers covered typical work scenarios and career patterns in their field, followed by a Q&A session. The meeting was followed by a reception hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. Over 80 students attended, predominantly from the University of Law, Middlesex University and King’s College London.
The International Law Firm: Martin McElwee, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
The Government Legal Department: Kate Manson, Department for Business and Trade
Academia: Prof Andrea Biondi, King’s College London
The Bar: Anneli Howard KC, Monckton Chambers
Chair: Prof Paul Craig, President UKAEL
UKAEL Webinar: EU Law and AI: Emerging Concepts – 25 September 2023
Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision-Making pose challenges for all areas of law, both public and private. This UKAEL webinar brought together three EU law experts in the area, who have been engaged in cutting-edge research on this topic and was attended by over 30 people.
Prof Herwig Hofmann (Professor of European and Transnational Public Law at the University of Luxembourg): ‘The Legal Framework for Automation of Decision Making in EU Public Law’
Prof Oriol Mir (Professor of Administrative Law at the University Pompeu Fabra of Barcelona): ‘The Impact of the AI Act on Public Authorities and on Administrative Procedures’
Prof Jens-Peter Schneider (Professor of Public Law at Freiburg University): ‘Collaborative Governance of the EU Digital Single Market’
UKAEL Webinar: Brexit, the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework – 23 May 2023
Borders played a significant part in the Brexit negotiations, most notably in relation to Northern Ireland. Brexit meant that the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland constituted an external border for the EU. This would not normally be problematic, and there would customarily be customs posts and border checks. It was, however, felt to be essential to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, which was the rationale for the lengthy discussions leading to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Dissatisfaction in some quarters with the operation of the Protocol prompted its renegotiation, which led to the Windsor Framework. This webinar considered the backdrop to the Northern Ireland Protocol and the extent to which the problems associated with it had been overcome by the Windsor Framework.
Speakers:
Prof Paul Craig (President of the UKAEL)
Prof Colin Murray (Professor of Law and Democracy at Newcastle University)
Niall Robb (PhD candidate at Queen’s University Belfast)
The webinar was chaired by Prof Paul Craig and attracted an international audience of 50 people.
Joint UKAEL/FIDE Finland Webinar: EU Law and Policy after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine – 21 March 2023
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the on-going war in Europe and its geopolitical and economic implications have made the European Union revisit its role as an economic, security and political actor. This webinar, organised jointly by UKAEL and FIDE Finland, explored the impact of the war so far by focusing on a range of topical policies, namely sanctions, energy, the movement of people, and security and defence.
Prof Violeta Moreno-Lax (Queen Mary University of London and University of Barcelona): Differentiated Asylum and Discriminatory Refuge? The EU’s (Mis)Handling of Forced Displacements from Ukraine and Russia
Dr Carolyn Moser (Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, Heidelberg): The Common Security and Defence Policy after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Prof Allan Rosas (former Judge at European Court of Justice): From Freezing to Confiscation of Russian Funds?
Prof Kim Talus (James McCulloch Chair in Energy Law, Tulane University): Energy Crisis: Current Regulatory Measures and the Way Forward
The webinar was chaired by Prof Paul Craig, President of the UKAEL, and attracted an international audience of approximately 70 people.
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Data Protection: Made in Europe and Exported Globally – 19 January 2023, Great Hall, King’s College London
The Lecture was delivered by Christopher Vajda KC and explored the rapid development of data protection rights within Europe, their inter-relationship with other rights and their impact outside Europe.
The lecture attracted an audience of 50 people and was followed by a lively drinks reception and a well-attended formal dinner.
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