The rule of law is under pressure everywhere in the world. With all its limits, Europe and, in particular the European Union (EU), still remains an enclave of constitutionalism and liberal democratic values. Attacks to the rule of law come under different forms, 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. A number of legal tools and judicial developments have been set in motion by the EU, both in its internal policies vis-à-vis the Member States and in its external action toward third countries, facing an increasingly complex geopolitical scenario.

The 2025 Luiss Research Day, connected 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 problems in Europe and beyond. Distinguished speakers include Professor Sacha Prechal, Former Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, and Professor András Sajó, Former Judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

Introduction
Paolo Boccardelli Rector, 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, 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 the 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
Cristina Fasone Luiss University

Keynote - Militant Rule of Law
András Sajó Central European University and Former Judge at the European Court of Human Rights

Q&A

Concluding Remarks
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