The two European Law Centres of Cambridge (CELS) and Durham University (DELI) joined forces to host a workshop on 26th and 27th October 2012 in Cambridge on the "External Relations Law of the European Union". This brought together academics and doctoral researchers from both institutions, as well as a number of guest speakers, to discuss a variety of topics related to the Union's contribution on the international scene. The workshop is intended to be a first in a regular meeting of lawyers form these institutions.
After an inspiring keynote by Professor Alan Dashwood, the first panel discussed chaired by Professor Catherine Barnard the "Constitutional Framework of EU External Relations" with presentations and lively discussions on external competences, democratic legitimacy, the principle of loyal cooperation and EU accession to the ECHR. The second panel on Friday chaired by Dr Alica Hinarejos analysed the interaction between the EU and public international law with discussions and presentations on EU diplomacy, international responsibility of the Union, sub-federal entities and the general reception of international law in the Union legal order. This panel revealed some dichotomy of perspectives but also significant commonalities between international and EU lawyers. The Saturday panel chaired by Professor Robert Schuetze highlighted sectorial aspects in EU external relations concerning neighbourhood, investment, environment and monetary policy, again highlighting the growing variety of EU external relations beyond the field of international trade.
CELS and DELI would like to especially thank our three international guests, Professor Geert de Baere, Professor Ramses Wessel and Dr Narine Ghazaryan.