Aims

The aim of this seminar is to help students undertake an in-depth study of specific topics in the branch of law covered by each seminar, the theoretical basics of which have been taught during their degree course. The seminar programme is different every year. Its scope is sufficiently wide to allow a subdivision into about fifteen subjects closely linked by a common theme.

Main themes

The method used requires students to complete two assignments. First, an oral presentation, to be given during the year, of the results of their research on an assigned topic; second, a written paper in which students can systematise and synthesise the problems involved in their topic and make use of the results of the discussions and debates following their own presentation, as well as those of the other seminar participants. The seminars start at the beginning of the academic year. The first oral presentations do not take place until the second term. During the first term, each student works on the various themes to be analysed. At regular intervals, however, each participant must report on the progress of his or her research and raise any questions or difficulties encountered. This particular task is carried out in teams to ensure co-ordination of the various assignments. Since the Faculty organises fifteen or so seminars, access to which is limited, the professors are invited to submit three topics during the year preceding that in which the seminar is to be held. These topics are conveyed to fourth-year students, enabling demand for the most popular topics to be met.

Content and teaching methods

Topic: The integration of environmental concerns into other policies

Article 6 of the Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that "the requirements for environmental protection must be integrated into the definition and implementation of the policies and actions of the Community covered in Article 3, in particular, in order to promote sustainable development". This seminar concentrates on an analysis of this integration principle in all its aspects, at the level of international, European and national law. It relies, in particular, on the European integration strategy focused on the Cardiff process. This is an opportunity to examine what has taken place within each directorate-general of the European Commission to incorporate environmental concerns into other policies.

This seminar also examines instruments for making the integration principle concrete, whether these be coercive by means of legal or regulatory obligations (regulatory planning, prior evaluation of effect) or by means of eco-conditionality. Techniques based on inducements may also be involved, as illustrated, for example, by the new procurement contract policies and environmental considerations integration policy for awarding contracts.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Each student is graded individually on the seminar. The grade takes into account the work done during the year, active participation in the assignments and discussion groups, the quality of the oral presentation and the written paper submitted.at the end of the year. During the first term, some of the seminar sessions are devoted to lectures on a subject closely related to the theme of the seminar. The specialist lecturer may be a member of the Faculty, or a guest speaker from outside the establishment.

Other credits in programs