The Law and Politics of Climate Change: The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Climate Change

On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion on obligations of States in respect of climate change, a probable legal milestone in the planetary struggle for the protection of the environment. However, in a context of compounding polycrisis where a diversity of ecological issues – with climate change at the forefront – collide with increasing political polarisation and socioeconomic difficulties, the veritable reach this opinion will have remains to be seen.

By means of interventions from speakers who have been directly involved in the case or in the campaign for its request, this roundtable addresses three dimensions of the opinion. First, how it came to be. Second, what it says. Third, what it might entail. These three lines of inquiry are dealt with from a critical perspective, blending both legal and political considerations.

Speakers

• Momchil Milanov (International Court of Justice)
• André Bouquet (European Commission)
• Josephine Norris (European Commission)

Discussants

• Gauthier Martens (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles)
• Florine Serrault (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles)

Practical Information

When ? Thursday, 15 October 2026, lunchtime starts at 12:00 PM. The roundtable starts at 12:30 PM and finishes at 2:00PM.

Where ? UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles, Salle du Conseil (Council Room). Entrance via Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, go to the 4th floor.

Registration

Mandatory for catering purposes. Please fill in the form. 

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This event is co-organized with the CReSPo (Centre de Recherche en Science Politique – UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles) as part of its Environnement seminar series, and with the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence EUMERGENCIES of the Institute for European Studies (IEE).