The rule of law is under pressure around the world. Despite its limitations, Europe—and particularly the European Union (EU)—remains a bastion of constitutionalism and liberal democratic values. Attacks on the rule of law come in various forms, ranging from the political capture and ‘packing’ of courts to threats against media freedom and minority rights. The EU’s response to the rule of law backsliding has been gradual – according to some, too slow and partly ineffective – but certainly incremental, while dissensus over liberal democracy, especially by populist forces, has spread. The EU has initiated a number of legal tools and judicial developments, both in its internal policies toward member states and in its external actions toward third countries, as it navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The 2025 Luiss Research Day, linked to the Horizon Europe Project 'Respond to Emerging Dissensus: SuPranational Instruments and Norms of European Liberal Democracy' (RED-SPINEL), will bring together academic experts, practitioners, and former judges who have been key players in addressing rule of law issues in Europe and beyond. Distinguished speakers include Professor Sacha Prechal, a former judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, and Professor András Sajó, a former judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

Introduction by
Paolo Boccardelli, Rector of Luiss University
Stefano Manzocchi, Deputy Rector for Research and Third Mission, Luiss University

Project Presentation:
Marta Simoncini, Luiss Local Coordinator of the Horizon Europe Project “REDSPINEL”

Keynote Session I:
Introduction
Antonio Punzi, Head of the Department of Law, Luiss University

Keynote - The Judiciary Under Fire
Sacha Prechal, Utrecht University and former judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union

Q&A

Luiss Research Awards Ceremony

Roundtable - The Rule of Law and Its Instruments: Dissensus, Effectiveness, and Legal Challenges within the EU
Moderator:
Nicola Lupo, Luiss University

Speakers:
Petra Bárd, Radboud University
Leigh Hancher, University of Tilburg
Giuseppe Martinico, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa
Giacomo Rugge, Council of the EU

Break

2:30 pm Foresight Exercise on the Future of Liberal Democracy in the EU

Roundtable - Future Scenarios for the Rule of Law in EU External Action. Enlargement, Security, and Peace
Moderator:
Giovanni Piccirilli, Luiss University

Speakers:
Thomas Christiansen, Luiss University
Elena Grech, European Commission
Alessandro Petti, University of Oslo
Sara Poli, University of Pisa

Keynote Session II and Conclusions
Introduction by
Cristina Fasone, Luiss University

Keynote - The Militant Rule of Law
András Sajó, Central European University and former judge at the European Court of Human Rights

Q&A

Concluding Remarks by
Giovanni Orsina, Head of the Department of Political Science,
Luiss University

Scientific Committee:
Marta Simoncini and Cristina Fasone, coordinators of the RED-SPINEL Luiss Research Unit; Raffaele Bifulco, Daniele Gallo, Angelo Jr. Golia, Nicola Lupo, and Giovanni Piccirilli

Registration