The course aims to give students an understanding of the nature, structure, and functions of international institutions that govern international trade and foreign investment, as well as how these institutions interact with environmental needs.

Knowledge and understanding: Students will develop a solid understanding of the norms governing international trade and investment law, as well as the rules concerning the interaction between environmental protection and international economic law. This knowledge will be gained through lectures, seminars, conventions, and conferences involving academics and professionals from key sectors of interest. Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to use the knowledge gained at a theoretical level to analyze current events and real cases. These skills will be developed through the study for the final exam, individual and group exercises, as well as through the interaction with colleagues during case discussions. Making judgements: students will acquire the necessary tools to understand and analyze – from a legal perspective and starting with the fundamentals of international economic law – topical phenomena of global scope. Students will also develop the ability to analyze and apply critical reasoning to problems and case studies, properly applying the relevant legal framework and judicial practice to the cases examined. Communication skills: students will develop the ability to construct, analyze, and communicate their point of view and the results of their analysis. This will be achieved through the study of materials and decisions of international bodies, as well as discussion of fictitious cases designed to help students enhance their critical thinking skills. Communication skills will also be assessed through the final exam. Learning skills: students, having gained a solid understanding of international economic law and environmental protection, will have the essential foundation to connect with international law firms, multinational companies, international institutions and organizations, and NGOs related to the areas of international trade and investment.

The course provides insights into the nature, structure, and functions of international institutions and actors in the field of international economic law. It particularly focuses on two main areas: international trade law and international investment law. For the former, the course delves deeply into the World Trade Organization, examining its structure, functioning, key agreements, and dispute settlement mechanism. Regarding international investment law, the course explores its structure, the most important standards for the protection of foreign investments, and the dispute settlement methods for disputes between States and foreign investors, with a special emphasis on international investment arbitration. Along with foundational concepts of international economic law, the course also addresses the impact that the sector of international trade law and international investment law may have on the environment, analyzing how environmental concerns are either integrated or sometimes overlooked within these fields.

F.M. Palombino (ed.), Introduction to International Economic Law, Routledge-Giappichelli, 2025.

Lectures, discussion of case studies, seminars held by Italian and foreign experts.

The midterm will account for 30% of the final grade. The remaining 70% will be assessed through the final exam, which consists of an oral test where students must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of international economic law and its interaction with environmental protection, as well as their ability to apply these to practical cases. Students are expected to use appropriate technical and legal vocabulary, proving they have acquired the study methods and learning skills necessary for further independent study of the subject. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths. An insufficient score, below 18, will result in failure to pass the exam. Answering all questions correctly and demonstrating an excellent level of preparation will earn a score of 30, possibly cum laude/with honors. When assessing the student's preparation, the following criteria will be considered: knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and principles of the subject and their application to real cases (65%); proper use of technical and legal vocabulary (25%); and the ability to analyze and evaluate relevant sources along with the development of study methods (10%).

Passing the final exam and a clear interest in researching and writing the thesis on this subject. Knowledge of the English language; knowledge of other foreign languages is also appreciated.