This course focuses on the critical analysis of various European legal systems, as well as European law as a whole, with a central theme: Europe and the Rule of Law.

Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts across key areas of law in different European countries.

As part of the course, students will work collaboratively in groups to develop a joint group work on specific sub-topics proposed by the instructors. These presentations will shortly illustrate the current legal situation in each student’s home country while seeking to identify common legal foundations across Europe.

The course concludes with group presentations, where students will showcase and defend their research outcomes before their peers and professors. These sessions aim to encourage active engagement, critical reflection and  academic debate.

The physical phase will take place between 18 - 22 May 2026, at the Paris Lodron University in Salzburg. It will focus on intensive academic exchange between students and professors, building on the prior online collaboration.

During this phase, students will deepen their understanding of the sub-topics through seminars and group work. Classroom discussions will enhance critical engagement, foster cross-cultural dialogue and offer a tangible experience of European citizenship and academic cooperation beyond borders.

The virtual phase of the course will start in February 2026 and it includes online lectures covering various areas of law in different European countries such as civil, criminal, public, and social security law as well as European law itself. These lectures will be made available on the platform, allowing students to access them at their own pace.

Upon completing the lectures, students will be required to complete a written assignment to demonstrate their understanding. Following this and under the guidance of the professors, students will begin working in online groups to research and discuss their assigned sub-topics.

This collaborative work is intended to lay a solid foundation for the in-person phase of the course and ensure meaningful, well-prepared contributions during the physical mobility component.