Format: In-person
Open to: Academics & researchers, General public
On 8 May 2026, the University of Padua and Maynooth University will host an international conference exploring the critical role of EU law in developing energy autonomy. This joint event, “Competition, sustainability and strategic autonomy: the role of EU law in developing energy autonomy in dialogue with science and society”, invites scholars, students, and professionals to engage with the legal and scientific challenges of the green transition.
Held in the historic Archivio Antico of the University of Padua and developed through the framework of Arqus, the conference addresses one of Europe’s most pressing issues: “Competition, sustainability and strategic autonomy”.
The conference brings together the University of Padua’s School of Law (DiPIC) and Maynooth University’s School of Law and Criminology, along with the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute.
The goal is to move beyond traditional legal silos by fostering a “Dialogue with science and society” that includes perspectives from Green Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, and Digital Sustainability.
The highlights:
The programme is designed to foster interdisciplinary debate across several key sessions:
- Keynote speech: Leigh Hancher (University of Tilburg and EUI) will deliver an address on “EU strategic autonomy, electrification and the CRMA”.
- Panel 1: Sustainability & state aid: A deep dive into how competition law interacts with circular economy goals.
- Panel 2: Procurement & trade: An analysis of EU Public Procurement Law, the green economy, and the legal geography of primary aluminium.
- Roundtable dialogue: A unique session where EU law scholars engage with experts in green chemistry, metallurgy, and digital sustainability.
See the full programme here.
This event is a testament to the Arqus mission of building a multilateral classroom and research space. By co-funding and co-organizing this initiative, Padua and Maynooth demonstrate how the Alliance serves as a catalyst for high-impact academic cooperation that informs both EU law and societal progress.
Event summary & registration
- Date & Time: 8 May 2026 | 9:00 – 16:30
- Location: Archivio Antico, University of Padua, Italy
- Organizers: University of Padua and Maynooth University (Arqus)
- Registration required: Open to the academic community and the public
Co-funding and support: This collaboration is supported by the Maynooth University ALL Institute and School of Law and Criminology, and the University of Padua’s DiPIC Department, the Levi Cases Center, and the Master in Sustainable Chemistry and Technologies for Circular Economy. Patronage is further provided by the dSEA Department and the Fondazione Venezia per la Ricerca sulla Pace.