While COVID-19 is still keeping travelling at check in the EU, the students of the Brussels School of Governance’s LLM in International and European law (“PILC”) were this year able to make their traditional visit to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg virtually. On Tuesday 1 June, the charisma of the host, Court’s President Koen Lenaerts, radiated over computer screens just as it would have on-site. The lively discussion between the President and PILC students lasted much beyond the scheduled time – and this time there was no reason to leave a minute earlier, as the usual traffic congestion in Luxembourg was no issue, either! The topics of discussion included data retention rules in the EU and the role of the Court in a scenario, where the broader objectives of the Union were challenged by the citizens. After President Lenaert’s presentation, Dr. Luca Prete (who also gives guest lectures in PILC himself) from the team of Advocate General Bobek gave an insider’s perspective on the Advocate General’s unique role in the EU judiciary. The students will certainly cherish the image of a “mine dog” for as long as they practice law!
Photo source: Court of Justice of the European Union (G. Fessy © CJUE)
