Join the dialogue in Padua on competition, sustainability and strategic autonomy

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.

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.

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

See the full programme here.