Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - DynamInt

DynamInt Doctoral Forum on “EU Law in an Age of Geopolitical Disruption: Institutional Design, Fundamental Rights & Regulatory Power”

On 31 August and 1 September 2026, the DynamInt Doctoral Forum took place at the Católica Global School of Law, Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon. The event was organized by the DFG Research Training Group DynamInt and chaired by fellows Sarah Cichon, Jakob Feddersen, Nadja Baumert, Leon Rauch, Macarena Viertel Iñíguez, and associated researcher Sebastian Steinert. The conference brought together doctoral researchers from various European universities, DynamInt fellows, and professors. Through presentations and panel discussions, the two-day workshop offered PhD candidates the opportunity to present their research and engage in dynamic exchanges with fellow scholars on the EU's institutional capacity, the role of fundamental rights, and the limits of European regulation in an era of geopolitical disruption.

Following introductory remarks by Prof. Paulo Pinto de Albuquerque, former judge at the ECHR, the first set of panels addressed "The Capacity of the EU’s Institutional Architecture to Confront Geopolitical Disruption". Laurids Hempel (MPI Heidelberg), Lea Schubert (Hertie School), Stefania Gallo (Luiss Guido Carli University) together with Johanna Breuer (Leuphana University), and Vellamo Jutila (Helsinki University) discussed the EU’s competence to confront foreign interference, dispute resolution in AFSJ and CSDP, strategic budget allocation, and "Constructing Emergencies: EU Governance through Fear". The presentations were discussed and commented on by Prof. Dr. Matthias Ruffert.

The second panel, discussed by Prof. Pinto de Albuquerque, focused on "Fundamental Rights as Shield, Sword, or Symbol?". Johanna Kramer (Hamburg University), Jan Sobrevia (Autonomous University of Madrid), Pedro Sanz Díaz (Dublin City University), and Rhea Kummer (HU Berlin) analyzed "Militant Democracy" in light of RT France v Council, non-discrimination in social rights, as well as vulnerability rhetoric and "Detention as a Sanction" in European asylum and return procedures.

On day two, the third panel explored "(De)Regulation and Enforcement in a Shifting Geopolitical Order". Tim Ellemann (European University Institute), Lyra Çela (Bocconi University), and Jie Ouyang (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) examined "Trade Sorting Machines", investment dispute settlement reformand market governance in the twin transitions, with contributions by discussants Prof. Dr. Kati Cseres (University of Amsterdam) and Prof. Dr. Marta Vicente (Catholic University of Portugal)..

An informal get-together on the eve of the conference at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara set the stage for the event, while an evening gathering at the Topo Morada Rooftop Bar following the first day provided further valuable opportunities for personal exchange among participants.

DynamInt at the annual ELU-S Conference in Lisbon

Researchers from DFG Research Training Group DynamInt participated in this year’s ELU-S Conference at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, actively contributing to several panels that addressed key current developments and fundamental challenges in EU law.

Postdoctoral fellow Luke Dimitrios Spieker presented his research across two panels: „EU Citizenship I (Values)“ and „Limited Competence but Unlimited Interpretation? Conferral and the Limits of the Court.“ Meanwhile, doctoral fellows Nikolaus von Bernuth and Macarena Viertel Iñíguez, alongside associated researcher Sebastian Steinert and Laura Lellau, provided insights to the panel titled „Enforcing the EU’s Digital Ambition.“ In addition, doctoral fellows Jana Ebersberger, Sarah Cichon, and Leon Rauch presented their ongoing work within the panel „Exploring Boundaries and Potentials of EU Fundamental Rights.“

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of the ELU-S Conference and all participants for the stimulating presentations, constructive exchanges, and vibrant academic discussions throughout the event in Lisbon.